Module manager: Tajul Islam
Email: t.islam@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module will introduce students to modern radical Jihadist movements within differing historical and geographical contexts. It will introduce students to the geo-political factors that have facilitated the rise of these movements in the modern age. This module will also provide an opportunity to contrast theory and practical application through case studies covering a range of concerns that affect the world community today. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module will introduce students to Jihad in relio-theological historical sense and political Jihadism in a pan-global context from the 1980’s to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of key geo-political factors that have facilitated the rise of Global Jihadist movements such as Al Qaeda, Taliban, Al Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS and learn about the global climate in which Jihadist movements operate within and how they complement one another. Students will explore theories explaining why people join radical organisations and in addition gain a grounding in racism studies (Islamophobia), decolonial theory, genocide studies, holocaust theology, and Islamic studies. Furthermore the students will engage with other interdisciplinary approaches such as security studies, critical terrorism studies, political science (ideology esp. Islamism), international relations and Critical Muslim Studies.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss and critically examine Jihad as a religious tenet and Jihadism as a political phenomenon.
2. Identify and interpret the core themes such as war, terrorism and genocide.
3. Combine and apply concepts and approaches from security studies, critical terrorism studies, and genocide studies.
4. Recognize and critically evaluate Islamophobia.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Identify, synthesise, and critically evaluate ideas and information from different specialised source.
6. Develop a well-structured argument that is based on evidence and informed by relevant scholarly debates.
7. Communicate clearly and effectively ideas and information.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The students will be given an opportunity to submit an essay plan mid-way through the module. Subsequently they will be given feedback and advice on the structure of the essay.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 24/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team