Undstng Terror CT thrgh Film

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This graduate seminar examines the historical evolution of terrorism and counterterrorism through the lens of cinema. Drawing on terrorism studies, security studies, political violence, and film analysis, the course explores the motivations, strategies, and ideologies of terrorist actors, as well as the political, ethical, and operational challenges faced by states responding to terrorism. Through film screenings, seminar discussions, and engagement with scholarly literature, students analyze historical and contemporary manifestations of political violence while assessing how cinematic representations shape public understandings of terrorism, legitimacy, and security. Tracing political violence from the late nineteenth century to the present, the seminar explores competing narratives of terrorism, resistance, insurgency, and state response. Particular attention is given to questions of legitimacy, morality, identity, and security, as well as the ways film influences public perceptions, political discourse, and policy debates surrounding terrorism and counterterrorism. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess terrorism as both a political phenomenon and a cultural construct, evaluating the role of visual media in shaping contemporary understandings of conflict, security, and political violence.