Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

The September 11 attacks, Bali bombings and home-grown operations in London and those thwarted in Australia, have increased the significance of understanding terrorism and political violence. The Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies offers a rigorous course of study that evaluates these multifaceted phenomena. The course provides an understanding of what terrorism is and how it is constructed and reproduced. It also addresses the diverse and multifaceted actors involved in enacting and preventing terrorism and other security concerns. The range of studies includes units on terrorisms (state, religious, revolutionary and right wing); the political, theological and intellectual bases of terrorism; political violence and political movements; and country and regional studies. Theoretical and empirical units that examine the international processes and events that fuel and discourage terrorism provide further context for students. The course is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate study in these areas and professionals working in law enforcement, public service, defence and diplomacy.

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• developed an intermediate-advanced to advanced knowledge of terrorism, security and conflict
• developed their knowledge of contemporary political systems, relations between states, non-state and sub-state actors, political theory, and identity and cultural politics and how they relate to terrorism and political violence
• enhanced their skills in contemporary forms of political and social inquiry
• enhanced their knowledge of issues of contemporary relevance
• developed sophisticated skills and graduate attributes in critical thinking, analysis, research and question design, and oral and written forms of communication.

This course consists of three core units and one elective at level four (48 points) and 24 points at level five.

Level four

Core units

• PLM4100 Terrorism, counter-terrorism and intelligence
• PLM4310 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
• PLM4340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: An introduction to terrorism

Electives

One of:

• ASM4230 Culture and conflict in Indonesia
• HPL4503 International relations
• LAW7320 Terrorism and human rights
• MGX9110 Diplomacy and statecraft
• MGX9150 Contemporary Asia
• PLM4065 Advanced seminar in international political economy
• PLM4080 Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support
• PLM4420 Islam and modernity
• PLM4430 Political Islam
• PLM4460 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East

Level five

Students complete one of the following options:

• two elective units
• one elective and PLM5010 Terrorism and security studies research project* (9000 words, 12 points)
• PLM5020 Terrorism and security studies research dissertation** (18,000 words, 24 points)
• PLM5995 Internship in counter-terrorism studies*** and either one elective or PLM5010 Terrorism and security studies research project (9,000 words, 12 points)

Note:

* Entry into the research project will be reserved for students who have achieved a distinction average in all their coursework units.

** Entry into the research dissertation will be reserved for students who have achieved a high distinction average in all their coursework.

*** Entry to the internship will be reserved for students who have achieved distinction results in PLM4080, PLM4100, PLM4310 and PLM4340.

Electives

• HPL5503 International Relations (off campus)
• PLM5065 Advanced seminar in international political economy
• PLM5080 Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support
• PLM5290 China: The Quest For Modernisation
• PLM5390 Grand Theories of Politics
• PLM5420 Islam and Modernity
• PLM5430 Political Islam
• PLM5460 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East
• PLM5600 Strategic Studies: A Critical Introduction
• PLM5840 Global Soul: Consumers, Citizens and Rebels

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with a Graduate Certificate in Arts.
• 48 points with a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies