Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice
Delve into the research behind terrorism as you unpack the assumptions and impacts of both terrorism and counterterrorism.
1,163 enrolled on this course
Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice
Explore terrorism and counterterrorism studies
Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. It frequently makes headlines, threatening or attacking governments, private businesses, and ordinary citizens. In many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security, and stability – but what does this mean exactly?
On this six-week course from Leiden University, you’ll explore the essence of terrorism and discover why it is so difficult to define.
Unpacking its history and the theory of the waves of terrorism, you’ll analyse both the theoretical approaches and practical applications of terrorism and counterterrorism in the real world.
Analyse terrorism and counterterrorism myths in line with academic research
There are many assumptions that cloud the subjects of terrorism and counterterrorism. These myths are often created and intensified by individual bias, the government, and the media.
On this course, you’ll discover different assumptions about terrorist identities and motivations, as well as the efficiencies of various counterterrorism efforts. You’ll then compare this with academic research to investigate the truth behind these assumptions.
Explore the impact of terrorism on society and assess counterterrorism policy
In your exploration of the impact of terrorism, you’ll delve into the culture of fear created by terrorism, as well as the success of counterterrorism policies to limit and manage its impact on society.
Examine trends in terrorism and the future of research with Leiden University
In the final stage of this course, you’ll reflect on trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism.
You’ll assess current academic research as well as what could be studied in the future to help identify under-researched topics in terrorism studies.
Syllabus
Week 1
Definition of terrorism
Welcome!
Get to know your instructors and Leiden University. We will give you some tips on how to get the most out of this course.
What is terrorism?
What exactly is terrorism? Who and where are its victims? After completing this activity, you will understand why it is so difficult to arrive at a generally accepted definition of this term.
Weekly quiz
Test your knowledge of the activity on the definition of terrorism by taking the weekly quiz.
Week 2
Researching terrorism and counterterrorism
Start of Week 2
What are we going to do this week? Read the learning objectives and this week's reading material.
How did we get here?
How did we reach the current state of research? What are the main disciplines and approaches in terrorism studies? What is the current state of affairs?
Weekly quiz
Test your knowledge of the activity on researching terrorism and counterterrorism by taking the weekly quiz.
Week 3
Assumptions on terrorism
Start of Week 3
What are we going to do this week? Read the learning objectives and this week's reading material.
Truth or Myth? Assumptions on terrorism
The subject of terrorism often falls prey to unfounded assumptions. Media, politicians, even scholars, frequently make far-reaching claims about the topic. We will critically assess their validity.
Weekly quiz
Test your knowledge of the activity on the assumptions on terrorism by taking the weekly quiz.
Week 4
Assumptions on counterterrorism
Start of Week 4
What are we going to do this week? Read the learning objectives and this week's reading material.
Truth or myth? Assumptions on counterterrorism
We will look into five assumptions on counterterrorism, which underlie CT-policy, both from an effectiveness perspective, but also because these policies have a large impact on societies.
Weekly quiz
Test your knowledge of the activity on the assumptions on counterterrorism by taking the weekly quiz.
Week 5
Dealing with the impact of terrorism
Start of Week 5
What are we going to do this week? Read the learning objectives and this week's reading material.
How do we deal with the impact of terrorism?
In this activity, we will explore the concepts of fear management and resilience. We will look into the impact of terrorism in the society and ways we can deal with it, both in theory and in practice.
Weekly quiz
Test your knowledge of the activity on the impact of terrorism by taking the weekly quiz.
Week 6
Trends and developments in (counter)terrorism
Start of Week 6
What are we going to do this week? Read the learning objectives and this week's reading material.
What can we expect in the future?
This activity will discuss the trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism studies. What are some of the remaining “un- and under-researched” topics? Finally, we will look into the future of terrorisme!
Final exam
This is the final exam for this online course.
Closing remarks
This is the end of the course. You will find some extra material in this section.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain the essence of terrorism
- Assess assumptions about terrorism & counterterrorism
- Explore the concepts of resilience and impact management
- Assess the different policies to deal with foreign fighters
- Explain the possible futures of terrorism studies
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in the study of terrorism and counterterrorism.
The course will also be specifically beneficial for professionals in journalism, policy, counterterrorism services, or related fields.
Who will you learn with?
As professor in Terrorism Studies at Leiden University I hope to inspire students and professionals to have a critical and analytical look at terrorism and how we deal with it.
Researching terrorism and counterterrorism at Leiden University.
Who developed the course?
Leiden University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge and prepares them for careers both within and outside of academia.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $79/one-off payment | $39.99 For your first month. Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 22 Jan 2025 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$39.99
For your first month. Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$79/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 22 Jan 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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