Module manager: Professor Simon Ball
Email: S.J.Ball@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A new era in global political violence began in the late 1960s with the emergence of so-called ‘modern terrorism’. The World of Terror will analyse the impact of this phenomenon, concentrating on the trends of state reaction and its consequences across multiple polities and regions. The module will examine the consequences of terrorism in great world centres, often the sites of multiple attacks, stretching from Beirut to Jerusalem to Munich to Delhi to London to New York City. It will also encompass the impact of terrorism in smaller and less well known places such as Mullaghmore (assassination of Lord Mountbatten in 1979), Brighton (attempted assassination of Margaret Thatcher in 1984) and Sriperumbudur (assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991). The module will focus on the last three decades of the twentieth century. <p>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. </p>
The objective of the module is to analyse the history of modern terrorism using secondary literature and primary sources in English.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Develop a sophisticated and critical knowledge of the secondary literature on the history of modern terrorism.
2. Understand the different kinds of sources historians use to investigate the history of modern terrorism.
3. Express ideas and arguments effectively and persuasively in writing and in scholarly discussion.
4. Demonstrate a deep and informed understanding of modern terrorism and its consequences.
5. Apply research and analytical techniques to a controversial subject in a manner that betokens competence for tackling similarly challenging topics in the future, whether inside or outside the academy.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For the essay, you will be given an opportunity to discuss your preparation for the assignment in a one-to-one meeting with the module tutor will receive written feedback and tutorial.
For the project report, you will undertake an in-class presentation and will receive verbal and written feedback on this.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Coursework | Project report | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 12/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team