Waikato Home
POLSC224-23B (HAM)
Terrorism, Violence and the State
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
|
Estelle Townshend
estelle.townshend@waikato.ac.nz
|
|
Administrator(s)
Librarian(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
-
Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
What this paper is about
Politically-inspired violence is the nemesis of our age. It means different things to different groups, and almost always represents the last recourse of the desperate and the weak. Nevertheless, it does sometimes lend great power to those who employ it ruthlessly. This paper will attempt to disaggregate and analyse this macro-phenomenon, particularly as it manifests itself in the enigmatic concept of terrorism. As is sometimes said, ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’. Much of this paper will concern itself with terrorism as an increasingly prominent and concerning political phenomenon. We will attempt to define and clarify it in its many guises and interpretations. As Colin Wright notes, ‘the use of the term terrorism is as much a political weapon as are acts of terrorism’. In an age where children are increasingly used as suicide bombers, and where tiny groups of fanatics can exercise a global political impact through terrorist acts, political scientists must stop and take account of this rising tide.
This paper will examine, then, the role of the state in its responses to political violence with a particular focus upon acts that can be defined as terrorism. This paper considers terrorism through the lens of both the critical model, and the state centred strategic terrorism model. It covers definitional dilemmas, violent and non-violent protest against the state, state violence, recruitment and radicalisation, the media and the internet, the causes of terrorism, left and right wing terrorism, incel terrorism, religious fundamentalist terrorism, and counter terrorism strategies. We will examine several terrorist groups, and attempt to provide the grounds for assessing the future risk to New Zealand and the global environment.
How this paper will be taught
This paper is taught by Dr Estelle Denton-Townshend. Estelle's office is in Rm J.2.10. She can be contacted by email at estelle.townshend@waikato.ac.nz.
This paper, 100% internally assessed, includes two 50 minute face-to-face lectures per week, also available in Panopto recordings on the Moodle site. Assessment is based upon a short reading summary, an argumentative essay, an analytical essay, and a report on terrorism, plus marks for engaging in the weekly tutorials.
Students are also expected to attend one tutorial a week. The tutorials are focused on creating a team environment that encourages deeper engagement with, and discussion of, the paper's material. Providing a 100 word paragraph outlining what you would like discussed each week and engaging in class activities makes up the 10% tutorial assessment. Students should sign up for one of the tutorials on the Moodle site for this paper. Tutorials, which will aid in preparation for the larger assessments, will start in the second week of the semester.
Required Readings
Required reading for each week will be made available to students electronically via Moodle and/or the Reading List.
Also additional readings may be assigned during the trimester - these will be available in digital electronic form via the Library if they are assigned.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
Assessments
How you will be assessed
The assessments consist of a reading summary 10%, an argumentative essay worth 25%, an analytical essay 25%, and a report worth 30%.
Demonstrating and advancing your understanding of the week's readings via zoom or in class (one tutorial per week): 10% of the total grade.
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.