Understanding Terrorism and Counterterrorism

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical, academic and substantive debates relating to terrorism and counterterrorism. 
• Display a sound appreciation of the definition debate within terrorism studies and the difficulties and implications of this debate.
• To develop a strong awareness of the long history of terrorism and counterterrorism, and the current nature of modern terrorist conflicts
• To develop the analytical skills to critically research, evaluate and assess models and explanations of terrorism, and the range of counterterrorism options to these. 
• Display an awareness of the role cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, media and other value systems can play in understanding terrorism and counterterrorism.
• Display a detailed knowledge of several case studies of terrorism and counterterrorism campaigns.
• Be able to engage with and critique the evidence base for understanding terrorism and which underlies counterterrorism initiatives and polices.

Core content

• Defining ‘terrorism’
• Exploring the history and evolution of terrorism and counterterrorism
• Major theories and debates on terrorism and counterterrorism
• Research approaches and methodologies
• Psychology of terrorism & counterterrorism
• Root causes of terrorism
• Case studies of terrorist groups and conflicts
• Fundamentals of counterterrorism
• The terrorism/counterterrorism dynamic
• Case studies of counterterrorism policies

Upgrade to a professional qualification

After successful completion of this course 20 credits can be put towards the Counterterrorism MSc or Counterterrorism, Risk Management and Resilience MSc

Cranfield credits are available for this short course which you can put towards selected Cranfield degrees. Find out more about short course credit points.

Speakers

• Professor Andrew Silke

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here. 

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.