CDSn4106 Dilemmas of Counterterrorism

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2021
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 7 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Dana Prudíková, Ph.D. (lecturer), prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 12:00–13:40 U53
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The goal of the course is to introduce basic issues related to dilemmas in countering terrorism. Issues of radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism will be discussed. Students will get deeper insight into different areas covering using both preventive and repressive measures. Since different approaches how to deal with radicalization and terrorism are represented in the European context (depending on actors relevant for the issue), also the course will reflect this discussion, including ethical aspects of the measures.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to identify and to analyze dilemmas in counter-terrorism.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course 2. Definition of counter-terrorism and basic dilemmas of counter-terrorism 3. Limitations of human rights and freedoms in the name of counter-terrorism 4. De-radicalization and exit programs 5. Media and terrorism 6. Military power as an instrument of counter-terrorism 7. EU as target of terrorist attacks? 8. Guest lecture I.: Counterterrorism and Verfassungschutz 9. Guest lecture II: Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Prisons 10. Guest lecture III.: 11. Case studies I. 12. Case studies II 13. Case studies III.
Literature
  • Full list of obligatory literature is included in the section Study materials
  • Democracy and political violence. Edited by John Schwarzmantel. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2011, x, 213 p. ISBN 9780748645985. info
  • FROSTAD, Magne. Jus in bello after September 11, 2001 : the relationship between jus ad bellum and jus in bello and the requirements for status as prisoner of war. 1. Aufl. Baden-Baden: Nomos, 2005, 212 p. ISBN 3832911790. info
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment methods
Instructions: course CDS 447 „Dilemmas of Counter-Terrorism“ Lecturers: prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (mmares@fss.muni.cz) Mgr. et Mgr. Dana Prudíková, Ph.D. (prudikova@gmail.com) Course objective: The goal of the course is to introduce basic issues related to dilemmas in countering terrorism. Issues of radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism will be discussed. Students will get deeper insight into different areas covering using both preventive and repressive measures. Since different approaches how to deal with radicalization and terrorism are represented in the European context (depending on actors relevant for the issue), also the course will reflect this discussion, including ethical aspects of the measures. Course Requirements: Students will receive a final letter grade based on the following components: Presentation of the own position paper: max. 6 points. Discussions about position papers of other students: max. 6 points Presentation of the outline of the final paper: max. 6 points Final paper: max. 18 points Final oral exam: max. 24 points Presentation of basic findings from position paper (1200-1400 characters including spaces) in the first half of the semester (max 6 points): List of five discussion topics will be available at the beginning of the semester. Each student has to choose one topic from the list. Maximum of 4 students can be enrolled to one topic. Student is obligated to discuss the topic in the position paper, to point out important information, to come with clear arguments, criticism, development of the topic etc. Position paper will be uploaded to the specific file in the information system at least 12 hours before presentation in the class. Position paper will be written in the essay form. Discussions about position papers of other students in the class (max. 6 points): After each presentation, there will be discussion in the class about what has been presented and discussion about the topic itself. Students will be awarded based on the quality of inputs to the discussion. It is expected to bring clear and logical arguments. Presentation of the outline of the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 6 points) in the second part of the semester and the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points): The final paper (in the form of scientific article) should be written to the topic relevant to the course (length 22 000 – 26 000 characters, longer thesis only after consultation with lecturer). The topic of the final paper and date of presentation of its outline specifies lecturer (in relation to its topic). Components of evaluation: original authors approach, relevant goals and methods, theoretical background, conceptualizing of the topic, structure, sources and literature. Date of presentation depends on lecturer´s decision. Final paper will be written by individual student. Deadline for submission: 10th January. Final oral exam (max. 24 points): There will be a final oral exam, consisting of two questions based on the obligatory literature and presentations in class. At least ¼ points from each part is necessary condition in this course (2 from presentation, 2 from discussions, 2 from outline, 5 from final written paper, 6 from final oral exam). Grading: 56-60: A 51-55: B 46-50: C 41-45: D 36-40: E 0-35: F
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2021, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2021/CDSn4106