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| Module Availability |
| Semester 1 |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
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3000 word essay
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80
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Annotated bibliography
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20
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Qualifying Condition(s)
A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.
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| Module Overview |
| The political, cultural and symbolic dimensions of post Cold War conflicts involving U.K. and U.S.A. Pays close attention to political cultural context of conflicts in ‘the west’; social processes of mediation; mediatisation as well as the sociological dimensions of international terrorism. Critically evaluates reasons given for and character of humanitarian intervention and counter-terrorism. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None |
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| Module Aims |
- To provide the knowledge and tools necessary to critically analyse and evaluate the representation of armed conflict and terrorism
- To clarify the characteristics of different approaches to these social problems and their analysis from different social scientific and media focused fields
- To provide an understanding of the impact of mediation and mediatisation on politics and the relationship between politics and popular culture
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| Learning Outcomes |
Having completed this module, students should be able to:
· Explain theoretically the processes of contemporary armed conflict, counter-terrorism and terrorism
· Apply this understanding to other social problems constructed through risk thinking
· Understand and discuss the debate on humanitarian intervention and counter-terrorism policies
· Explain theoretically the psycho-social dimensions of mediatisation in the construction and experience of ‘international’ terrorism and armed conflicts
- Carry out comprehensive textual and cultural analysis
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| Module Content |
· Social and political origins of contemporary international terrorism and humanitarian intervention
· Cultural and media analysis of these conflicts and attacks, including hegemonic functions of these conflicts (ideological criticism)
· Role of emotion, risk and morality in mediation of conflict
· Relationship between mediation of conflict in politics and in popular culture (television drama & film)
- Aesthetics and organisation of conflict and terrorism reporting
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
11 x 2 hour sessions, including a lecture followed by a seminar of group exercises and wider class discussion of reading
Weekly critical reading in preparation for seminar discussions and exercises
Essay plan as a formative assessment providing feedback on understanding and essay construction
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Altheide, D. L. (2005) Terrorism and the Politics of Fear, Altamira Press: Lanham
Amoore, L. & de Goede M. (eds.). (2008) Risk and the War on Terror. Abingdon: Routledge.
Chandler, D. (2006) From Kosovo to Kabul and beyond: human rights and international intervention. London, Pluto Press.
Furedi, F. (2007) Invitation to Terror: The Expanding Empire of the Unknown. London: Continuum.
Hammond, P. (2007). Media, War and Postmodernity. London and New York: Routledge.
Laidi, Z. (1998). A world without meaning: the crisis of meaning in international politics. London: Routledge.
Richards, B. (2007). Emotional Governance: Politics, Media and Terror. Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan. |
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| Last Updated |
| April 2011 |
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