Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Concentrating on contemporary religious extremists, vigilante and militia movements, and hate groups, this unit examines the political thought, identity politics, political, social and economic conditions that give rise to terrorism and other forms of political violence. The subject addresses the following questions: How are terrorism and extremism defined? What conditions lead to terrorism and what factors have been most successful preventing it? How has globalisation contributed to terrorism and counter-terrorism? How do terrorism and counter-terrorism affect democracy and civil liberties?

Objectives

Upon completing this subject students will be able to:

1. Develop skills to read various forms of text critically (audio-visual materials, scholarly literature, internet sources) and incorporate them in their assessed work.
1. Develop an understanding of the complex relationship between mainstream and fringe political thought, practice and tendencies and terrorism and political violence. 5. Develop skills to read various forms of text critically (audio-visual materials, scholarly literature, internet sources) and incorporate them in their assessed work. 6. Continue the development of critical skills and an ability to communicate effectively. Specifically to: develop a topic for investigation; familiarise themselves with a wide range of sources; recognise and be able to present a logically ordered argument.
2. Demonstrate an advanced utilization and critique of primary and secondary resources in the research essay.
3. Demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of relevant conceptual frameworks pertaining to terrorism, fringe political movements and political violence.

Assessment

Written work: 80%
Class participation/presentation: 20%

Contact hours

One two hour seminar per week.

Prohibitions

PLT4349 or PLM4340