ANARCHISTS, TERRORISTS, AND FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Overview

In this subject you will explore the origins and historical development of terrorism. From the People's Will to Al Qaeda, we will provide a survey of the most significant movements that have engaged in terror. In the subject we will emphasise the importance of ideas and chart the significance of anarchism, revolutionary socialism, national liberation and religious extremism. Particular attention will be paid to primary texts from influential exponents of violence, including Sergei Nechaev, Frantz Fanon and Carlos Marighela. You will debate the problems of developing a meaningful definition of terrorism; investigate the ideas and material conditions that have given rise to various forms of political violence; consider the challenge of formulating an effective and just response to terrorist attacks; and locate modern terrorism in a broad, comparative historical perspective.

This is a level 3 subject. Please consider the subject pre-requisites before enrolling. This subject includes live sessions with the expectation of student attendance and participation.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

Subject coordinator

Chris Simmonds

Subject type

Undergraduate

Year level

Year Level 3 - UG

AQF level

Level 7 - Bachelor Degree

Available as elective

Yes

Available to study abroad / exchange students

Yes

Capstone subject
Capstones provide students with a way of integrating and applying knowledge and skills gained throughout their course.

Academic progress review - Schedule A subject

Subject instances

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Career ready

Work based learning (placement):No

Graduate capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

Subject intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

Locate the phenomenon of modern terrorism and insurgency in comparative historical perspective, across a wide range of historical, political, and cultural contexts.

Understand the problems of developing a meaningful definition of terrorism, informed by history, philosophy, and law.

Demonstrate a comprehension of the ideas that have led to the adoption of terrorism and related forms of violence in a variety of contexts.

Capacity to prepare and complete a substantial historical research project, supported by evidence and an awareness of competing arguments and views.

Evaluate historical questions raised in weekly subject readings and lectures, and formulate arguments and hypotheses based in evidence and specific examples.

Learning activities

Assimilation of relevant weekly subject reading, and activist engagement in tutorial debate and dialogue. Written assessment should also be informed by an awareness of the complexity of the problems of definition. Visual texts will be used alongside conventional historical texts in lectures.

Handbook