Enrolments for 2018 have closed.
Special Topic: From Al Qaeda to the Islamic State: Assessing Terror Threats
Undergraduate | MUR-POL219 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake
View information for 2019 course intakeExpose the origin, dynamics and rise of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Compare the ideologies and approaches of these jihadist groups. Uncover their recruitment and financing strategies. Examine case studies from Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- -
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Special Topic: From Al Qaeda to the Islamic State: Assessing Terror Threats
About this subject
This subject aims to achieve the following specific learning outcomes:
- Knowledge: Students will have a good grasp of key ideas, debates and theories in relation to the threats posed by the AQ and IS in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Comprehension: Students will understand the complexities of terrorism in the Indo-Pacific region in terms of its evolution, recruitment, financing, network and impact.
- Analysis: Students will be able to evaluate the major policy challenges affecting regional states and non-state actors and institutions regarding the spread of AQ and IS in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Argument: Students will be able to construct arguments that evaluate differing theoretical perspectives on terrorist threats and working of terrorist groups in the Indo-Pacific region.
This subject also aims to achieve the following generic learning outcomes:
- Prioritising material: Students will learn how to manage a large amount of empirical material and order it in a comprehensible manner.
- Synthesis: Students will be able to draw on the materials presented in lectures, tutorials and readings to make connections and draw conclusions.
- Critical thinking: Students will learn how to look at contested interpretations of terrorism and the nature and scope of terrorist threats and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these different interpretations.
- Communication: Through tutorials and assessments, students will learn how to present their ideas and thoughts, both verbally and in writing, in a structured and logical way.
- The Origin of the al Qaeda: Unveiling of New Terrorism
- The Pull factor: Foreign fighter network of the al Qaeda
- The Push Factor: AQ cells of Asia Pacific
- How terrorist groups end: Weakening of the al Qaeda central
- Rise of the Islamic state: A new ideology of terror
- Terrorist Financing: Comparative analysis of the AQ and the IS
- Terrorist propaganda: How different and effective is IS from AQ?
- The gender factor: Women fighters in AQ and the Islamic State
- Islamic State in South Asia: Case studies from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
- Islamic State in the Asia Pacific: Case studies from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Australia
- Countering the Al Qaeda and the Islamic State: State approaches
- Can the Islamic State be defeated? Will that end terrorism?
This subject provides a comprehensive analysis into the origin and dynamics of and threats posed by the AQ and IS in the Indo-Pacific region. Focusing on their recruitment pattern and financing and propaganda techniques, the subject attempts to unravel the effectiveness and longevity of global terrorist formations. 'If the AQ could be weakened, could the IS be defeated?' is a familiar question. Will that scenario end terrorism, however, is a more important question that this subject attempts to discuss.
- 1500 words written essay (30%)
- 1500 words written essay (30%)
- Written final invigilated exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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