This course examines the principal issues associated with modern international terrorism and efforts to counter it. The objective of the course is to provide the student with a broad understanding of international terrorism, and to enhance the ability to engage knowledgeably in discussion and debate on the subject. The course considers a wide range of questions in order to provide students with a deeper understanding of the threat of terrorism today. Among the questions it examines are:

How has terrorism evolved over time as a mode of political violence?
What are the defining features of modern terrorism, including ideological principles, political motivations and organisational structure?
What are the challenges associated with modern counter-terroism responses?

Specifically, the course will analyse both terrorism’s effectiveness as a means to achieve political change and the challenges faced by the liberal democratic state in responding to domestic and/or international terrorist campaigns.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. critically analyse the structure, evolution, and dynamics of international terrorist organisations;
2. analyse the issues pertaining to radicalisation;
3. apply the various analytical frameworks of terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies; and
4. demonstrate sound research, writing, and oral presentation skills. 

Examination Material or equipment

Students are not allowed to bring any materials to the formal course examination, except for basic stationery (pens, pencils, etc). Students must not bring any electronic devices to the exam room.

Students from language backgrounds other than English may request approval to bring a paper-based dictionary to the exam. See ANU Examinations for details. 

Required Resources

Bruce Hoffman. Inside Terrorism (3 rd ed.). Columbia University Press: New York, 2017.

Recommended Resources

Terrorism and Political Violence

Studies in Conflict & Terrorism

Critical Studies on Terrorism

Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression

Dynamics of Asymmetrical Conflict

International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism

Perspectives on Terrorism

Journal for Deradicalization

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written
• verbal

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.

Word Limit Penalties

Where an assignment exceeds the prescribed word length, no penalty will be applied for the initial 10% excess words. Thereafter a 10% penalty will apply.

The prescribed word length may be increased by 10% to accommodate the use of the Harvard, or other in-text, referencing system in which references are placed in the body of the main text.

Bibliographies and footnotes will not be included in the word count, though notes will be assessed to ensure conformity with footnoting and disciplinary conventions. Generally, avoid explanatory footnotes, anything worth including in your essay should be in the body. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction: What is Terrorism?
2	Defining Terrorism
3	Types of Terrorism I: Religious and Nationalist/Separatist
4	Types of Terrorism II: Right-wing; Left-wing; “Single Issue”
5	A History of Terrorism
6	Post 2000 Terrorism: From al-Qaeda to ISIS
7	Explaining Terrorism
8	Studying Terrorism
9	Technology and Terrorism: Communication and Messaging
10	Current Issues in Terrorism: Radicalization, Homegrown Terrorism; lone actor terrorism
11	Counterterrorism; How Terrorism Ends
12	The Future of Terrorism; Review

Tutorial Registration

July 10, 2019

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
TERRORIST GROUP PROFILE (15%)	15 %	27/08/2019	01/01/9999	1, 4
RESEARCH PAPER (40%)	40 %	16/10/2019	01/01/9999	2, 3, 4
FINAL EXAM (35%)	35 %	01/01/9999	01/01/9999	1, 2, 3
TUTORIAL PARTICIPATION 10% (Ongoing Assessment)	10 %	01/01/9999	01/01/9999	1, 2, 3, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

See assessment task 4: TUTORIALS, for details on expectations

Assessment Task 1

TERRORIST GROUP PROFILE (15%)

Details: Each student will select one terrorist group from a list of terrorist organizations provided by the instructor. The student will complete a “terrorist group briefing” which is approximately 1000 words in length to be submitted on Tuesday August 27th, 2019 by 11:59 PM. It will focus on an assessment related to such areas as the group’s background, ideology and motivations, history, structure (leadership), activities (financial, plots and attacks) and current status. More details will be provided in class and an outline detailing the specifics of the assignment will be posted to Wattle during Week 2.

 

Assignment Outline: available on Wattle (posted Week 2)

Estimated Return Date: 15 business days

Submitted: Electronically via Turnitin

Assessment Task 2

RESEARCH PAPER (40%)

Details: Each student will also be responsible for a short research paper approximately 2000 words in length. The instructor will provide the topic for this exercise. More details will be provided in class and an outline detailing the specifics of the assignment will be posted to Wattle during Week 5. The paper is due Wednesday October 16th, 2019 by 11:59 PM.

 

Assignment Outline: available on Wattle (posted Week 5)

Estimated Return Date: 15 business days

Submitted: Electronically via Turnitin

 

*Caution: Computer failure is not sufficient grounds for an extension. PLEASE back-up your works accordingly

 

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, copies of all references included in the assessment item.

 

Paper Extensions

See: https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004604 which includes...

Applications for an extension of the due date for an assessment task are submitted in writing to the Senior tutor. An application for an extension of the due date for an assessment task is to be submitted on or before the assessment due date. The only exception is where the student could not reasonably be expected to have applied by the appropriate date due to illness or other medical conditions. Appropriate documentation is provided with a request for an extension to allow the claims to be verified. The request must be considered within five working days. The consideration is of whether the reason a student was not able to complete an assessment task by the due date was due to exceptional circumstances beyond a student’s control. Exceptional circumstances may warrant approval of an Assessment Extension. Normally, this will require documentation.

If an Assessment Extension is granted an appropriate new deadline is specified. Workload from this and other courses is not a reason for the approval of an extension.

The due date of an assessment task is not extended beyond ten working days of the date for submission of the essay.

Where an extension is granted on medical grounds and is on the basis of a non-chronic condition, an extension of the due date for an assessment task is normally limited to the number of days (calculated to the nearest business day) the student is suffering from the medical condition as indicated on the medical certificate.

The student will be of the outcome of their application for an extension within three working days of the decision. This advice is in writing via the ANU student email address.

Extensions should only be requested as a last resort in situations where you genuinely cannot complete the work on time because of an unforeseen emergency. Your request must also be supported by written documentation.

 

Late and Word Limit Penalties

Where an assignment is submitted after the due date, students are penalised by five per cent of the possible marks available for the assessment task per working day or part thereof

Where an assignment exceeds the prescribed word length, no penalty will be applied for the initial 10% excess words. Thereafter a 10% penalty will apply.

The prescribed word length may be increased by 10% to accommodate the use of the Harvard, or other in-text, referencing system in which references are placed in the body of the main text.

Bibliographies and footnotes will not be included in the word count, though notes will be assessed to ensure conformity with footnoting and disciplinary conventions. Generally, avoid explanatory footnotes, anything worth including in your essay should be in the body.

PLEASE NOTE: Any submission that is more than 10 days late (where an extension has not been granted) will not be accepted

Assessment Task 3

FINAL EXAM (35%)

The final exam will test the students’ knowledge of the course material covered in the lectures, assigned readings and tutorials. It may consist of multiple choice, definitions, short answer, and long answer (essay) questions. The final exam will be scheduled during the final exam period. No aids permitted during the final exam.

 

Duration: 2 hours (writing)

Assessment Task 4

TUTORIAL PARTICIPATION 10% (Ongoing Assessment)

*Tutorial sign-up on Wattle*

 

This class has a tutorial participation requirement. Students are expected to attend their weekly tutorial having read any assigned course material and actively engage with the tutor and their fellow students. The mark for tutorial participation is determined by the tutor. Tutorial participation marks will be determined as followed: .5% for attending and .5% for participation (times 10 tutorials). Participation is based upon evidence of having done the required readings, evidence of having thought about the issues and meaningful contribution and participation and consideration and respect for other class members. It should be noted that simply attending and making one statement per tutorial will not result in a perfect tutorial grade

 

Tutorials provide a forum for students, under the guidance of tutors, to discuss relevant literature and develop their own ideas. From participation in tutorials, students should improve their abilities to comprehend and respect others’ points of view, offer constructive reflection and criticism, and articulate their ideas clearly and concisely.

 

There are 10 tutorials throughout the semester, and they begin in WEEK 3 (no tutorials in Week 1 or week 2). Please note that once you have selected your tutorial, you are expected to remain in it throughout the semester.

 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING POINTS ON TUTORIALS:

 

First, due to the large number of students participating in POLS 3036, the convenor and tutors are unable to accommodate requests for specific tutorial days and times. It is the student’s responsibility to check for openings over the course of the registration period.  Due to the number of students changing timetables during week 1, tutorial openings and availability will also change. Tutorial registration will commence on July 10th, 2019.

 

Second, once a student has selected their tutorial, they are expected to continuously attend that tutorial for the duration of the semester (Should extenuating circumstances arise, students may contact the course convenor, who can grant permission for a tutorial change).  Should you be unable to attend your tutorial due to illness, you must provide a medical certificate to your tutor. Again, due to the logistical challenges posed by the number of students in the course, we are unable to allow students who miss their tutorial to attend a “make-up” tutorial of their choosing (extenuating circumstances can be raised with the course convenor on a case-by-case basis). Tutorial is an extension of the course learning and students should select a tutorial they are able to attend.

 

Third, the tutorials are approximately 50 minutes long. Students are expected to arrive to their tutorials on time. Students who are more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to join tutorial (extenuating circumstances can be raised with the course convenor on a case-by-case basis).

 

If you have any additional concerns, please contact us to discuss them. If you feel you will have difficulties participating in tutorials, please contact ANU access and inclusion.

 

Students will receive their tutorial participation marks via Wattle during the study break before the examination.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Work will be returned to students via Wattle. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Online Submission: Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin. Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hard Copy Submission: For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Please state how the students submit such assignments to you via, for example, the physical assignment box. The cover sheet must use the assignment cover sheet template. If your course does not require hard copy submission, delete this sub-section. Assignments must include the cover sheet available here. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records. 

There is no resubmission of assignments. 

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students