This course explores the nature and causes of terrorism as well as individual (state) and collective (international) responses. It does so through an explicitly multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates historical ("new" and "old" terrorism); conceptual (state-sponsored vs. non-state; global vs. regional; biological, environmental, cultural, political); and geographical (Middle East and Africa, Eurasia, South America) frameworks.

 

We begin by examining the historical evolution of terrorism, its causes/rationales, and the major theoretical and conceptual approaches to help understand it. We then explore the development of historical and contemporary terrorist groups, including the recent 'fourth wave' of terrorism (e.g. al-Qaeda and ISIS) as well as the rise to prominence of far-right wing terrorism. The final part of the course focuses explicitly on counter-terrorism responses and counter-terrorism policies in the context of national security policy formulation. In particular we will examine the implications of terrorism for the national security postures of Australia, of key states in Australia's neighborhood, and of the United States as Australia’s ally. Counter-terrorism practitioners will support this course with insights from the practical challenges of sustaining effective security policy against this evolving risk.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand concepts related to terrorism and counter-terrorism, with the ability to critically analyse them in a national security context
2. Evaluate contemporary local, regional, and global challenges relating to terrorism
3. Critically analyse the responsiveness of security agencies to the security challenges posed by terrorism
4. Conduct independent research that demonstrates scholarly and practitioner-focused engagement with the subject matter, developing ideas and analysis for both audiences

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	History, definitions, and concepts This introductory session places the study of terrorism in historical context. How have non-state armed groups deployed political violence in the past, how have these threats been interpreted at different points in recent history, and why is there still no agreed definition for 'terrorism' in the 21st century?
2	Cases, tactics, and trends This session examines the characteristics of modern terrorism in more detail. It reviews a number of contemporary terrorist groups, examining where they differ from one another, and how their objectives and methods are evolving.
3	Theories and explanations Is there a 'root cause' of terrorism? This session provides an overview of competing approaches to understanding terrorism, considering the different functional, psychological, and ideological explanations for political violence.
4	Security responses How do governments handle the threat of terrorism? This session reviews counter-terrorism strategies, the US-led War on Terrorism, CVE and de-radicalisation efforts. It also queries when and how terrorism ends.
5	Australia's security framework How does the Australian government manage the risk of terrorist activity? What agencies, laws, policies, and capabilities does it deploy, and how successful have these been over the last two decades?
6	Responding to terrorism: a policymaker's perspective This concluding session will provide a view of Australian counter-terrorism policy, reflecting on the national security challenge facing government, and the experience of communicating and engaging with the public.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Reflective analysis	15 %	01/11/2024	07/11/2024	1,2,3
Essay	50 %	17/11/2024	06/12/2024	1,2,3,4
Policy Recommendation	35 %	08/12/2024	22/12/2024	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Reflective analysis

At the conclusion of the first class you will receive a selection of readings. After reading these, you must write approximately 500 words in reflective style (ie no need for references or essay structural techniques) considering the following questions:

1. Is it problematic that there is no universal agreement on the definition of ‘terrorism’?

2. Are the trends being noted by scholars and analysts aligning with what governments are preparing for?

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 2

Essay

You will address a single question from a list distributed in the first class, with a 1500 word limit. Essays do not have to follow specific methodologies presented earlier in the class, however analytical rigor will be assessed in line with the rubric. Students are encouraged to both think deeply on their approach, and to express that approach clearly in the text.

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 3

Policy Recommendation

Students will be tasked with developing a recommended course of action to improve Australia's arrangements for managing and/or responding to terrorism. Your submission should be approximately 800-1000 words and will be assessed on the quality of analysis. This can instead be framed as an opinion piece, policy paper, or another type of writing product.

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students