Terrorising London: The Making of a Modern City

Module description

For many, London is the “epicentre” of a now global terrorist threat. But the story of terrorism in London is long and complex. Beginning in the 19th century, this module moves chronologically across a distinct set of violent events that have all been labelled acts of ‘terrorism’. While some incidents are situated in a lengthy history of political struggle, others appear as random, often arbitrary, attacks. Yet whatever its form, London’s terrorism has been a cause for crises of the state, media spasms on a seismic scale and dramatic reconfigurations of the urban landscape. Indeed, so vivid is its impact that writers, filmmakers and visual artists have all been drawn to London as a site for terrorism’s restaging and retelling.

This module charts terrorism’s shifting signature by examining its impact upon London’s modernisation. Students will discover a city that has been subjected to rapid technological change and new political ideas. They will encounter London as a symbolic target for post-colonial violence and a fulcrum through which terrorist action and state policy converge. We will approach London’s terrorism through a variety of cultural texts (from novels to films, photographs to monuments), and a range of London archives will be used to contextualise each terrorist incident we examine.

Assessment details

E-portfolio (100%) 

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to:

• Provide students with a theoretical understanding of terrorism as a category of violence.
• Assess the extent to which terrorism offers a framework for understanding London’s modernisation.
• Investigate terrorism’s changing signification across a variety of disciplinary perspectives (e.g. philosophy, geography, literature, history, film, photography, politics).

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will:

• Gain knowledge of the diverse contexts surrounding prominent incidents of modern terrorism in London.
• Translate theorisations of terrorism onto London’s landscapes and archives.
• Conduct fieldwork around a particular topic, identifying and analysing relevant primary and secondary sources.
• Obtain digital literacy through the use of an e-learning platform for assessment.
• Create engaging content that communicates findings and theoretical thinking in a clear and accessible manner.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.