Outline

Overview

This unit provides a comprehensive theoretical and empirical introduction to the problem of terrorism worldwide and its impact on global security. It will cover the origins of terrorism, the structure and behavior of terrorist organisations, social, political, economic, and technological trends that impact terrorism and the threat it poses, and the complexities of counterterrorism policy. The knowledge and analytical skills acquired by students in this unit will be instrumental in understanding the challenge of terrorism.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Justin Hastings, justin.hastings@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Justin Hastings, justin.hastings@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Research essay Research essay	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Analytical brief Analytical brief	30%	Week 06 Due date: 25 Mar 2024 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Final in-class assessment Final in-class assessment	20%	Week 13 Due date: 21 May 2024 at 17:00	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Analytical brief: Assess a terrorist group active since 2020, or a terrorism phenomenon, with respect to the potential causes of terrorism, ideology and typology, and/or processes of radicalisation, recruitment and training. Suggest potential counterterrorist policies, taking into the relevant stakeholders and implementers.
Research essay: Respond to the given questions in (1) a single research essay or (2) two analytical briefs covering the specified topics and concepts.
In-class final assessment: Provide written answers to questions that cover the topics and concepts covered in the unit.

Full details for each assessment will be available on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	85-89: First class quality but with greater evidence of intellectual independence and more originality of thought. A mark in the upper range of this band demonstrates a command of the field both broad and deep, with independent intellectual argument and a significant degree of original thought. 90+: Outstanding quality, demonstrating independent thought throughout, a flair for the subject, and research achievement of a kind that produces at least some work of PhD standard or of potentially publishable standard in a serious academic journal.
Distinction	75 - 84	75-79: Demonstrates breadth and initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and some original analysis. Makes a good attempt to ‘get behind’ the evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, and takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to political argument and interpretation. Properly documented, with writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity. 80-84: Demonstrates general excellence in the subject area without major error or naiveté, breadth of knowledge, clear familiarity with and ability to use appropriate methodologies and theories, and clear evidence of some independence of thought in the subject area. Superior written style, clarity and creativity.
Credit	65 - 74	65-69: Adequate reading, research, understanding and presentation of the subject area, relevant theories and methodologies. Some evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, and to conceptualise and problematise issues. Weaknesses include gaps in research, important unresolved problems and inconsistencies within the argument, deficiencies in clarity, and stylistic lapses. 70-74: Sound grasp of the subject area, with extensive reading and research, ability to use methodology and theory, evidence of careful and thorough discovery and original use of appropriate sources, competent analysis and evaluation of material, ability to present material clearly and succinctly with a well-thought out argument.
Pass	50 - 64	Work barely adequate, with significant defects in several of the qualities expected at this level. Examples of such defects include insufficient or too narrowly focused research, unpersuasive interpretation, argument that suffers from weaknesses in clarity or structure, and writing that exhibits serious problems with grammar and expression.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes for a unit are not met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction Terrorism in an Age of (De-)Globalisation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Causes of terrorism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Terrorist ideologies and typologies	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Radicalisation Recruitment Training	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Organisation: Structure	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Organisations: Challenges (Management, financing, and logistics)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Organisations: Strategies, adaptation and innovation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Targeting Suicide terrorism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	The public Old and new media	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	State-sponsored Terrorism Quasi-state Terrorist Organisations	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Unconventional Terrorism: Maritime and CBRN Terrorism	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Counterterrorism: Costs and benefits	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Final in-class assessment	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: You are required to attend at least 80% of your classes. If you are going to miss three or more classes, please contact the coordinator to discuss your situation. Remember that communication is key.
Preparation: You should do all the assigned readings (skim for main points if time is of the essence). A lively seminar is always much much more enjoyable – and educational – than a quiet seminar!

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See the Reading List on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the causes and dynamics of terrorism
LO2. understand current trends in the study of terrorism, counter-terrorism, and counter violent extremism
LO3. have the empirical knowledge and analytical tools to evaluate current and future trends in terrorism and counter-terrorism
LO4. have an interest in the study of terrorism and have a strong base for further, more detailed research.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Weekly topics have been updated to provide a theoretical and historical foundation for understanding terrorism, and to cover current issues in terrorism.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GOVT6314: Terrorism and International Security

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect