This course provides an overview of the major concerns and debates in the study of terrorism and political violence, and it uses the prism of cinema to further grapple with the complexity of political violence. We will explore the root causes of violence and the varied reasons why individuals and organizations turn to violent tactics. We will also discuss what policies are most effective and desirable, problematizing our understanding of security, and examining the implications of counterterrorism for civil liberties, human rights, and international law. The films assigned contextualize the theoretical issues and address the question of political violence from alternative perspectives: those of the perpetrators of violence, victims, soldiers, government officials, and police officers. In this immersive winter session, students are expected to watch the films outside of class, between the morning and the afternoon class session. Through the readings, films, discussions and assignments, the goal of the course is to help you understand the major controversies and debates surrounding terrorism, to equip you with the tools to critically engage with the media, academic and policy discourses on political violence, and to enhance your speaking, writing and analytical skills. |