Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Module Title: The Changing Character of War and

Terrorism
Module Code: 7018HUM
Assignment Brief

Coursework Title: Blog Post Coursework

Number:
CW 1

Module Leader: Dr Lewis Herrington Hand-in date and

time:
Email: lewis.herrington@coventry.ac.uk
1800hrs, Friday 16th
June 2023

Module Staff: names and email: n/a Individual

assignment
Email: n/a

Word Count: This assignment

counts for: 5 credits
1100
of the Module Mark

Online submission Mark and Feedback date: 14-day

turnaround

Mark and Feedback method: posted

online via Aula

Task/Question

Please choose an issue from the six choices below and write a blog article of 1100 words
on a specific recent event (< 2 years old) with a clear argument, analytical depth and
supported by properly referenced evidence.

1. War in Ukraine
2. War in Syria
3. War in Yemen
4. Terrorism in Europe
5. Terrorism in Africa
 6. Terrorism in the Middle East

It is important that you frame your argument in terms of the changing/unchanging nature
of either war or terrorism. For example, the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the
continued significance of Realism for explaining Great Power Politics.

Q&A
1. Should the writing style be formal? Yes
2. Should I include citations? Yes
3. What is the difference between a blog post and a short essay? None. Same Thing
4. Can I include a picture? Yes, but only 1
5. Where should I look for examples? War on the Rocks

If there is anything that you do not understand about this assignment brief once you have
read it fully, or you have any concerns about it, please contact the Module Leader
immediately. Their name and contact details are at the top of this brief.

Additional Information
Try not to be overly descriptive. The objective is to write succinctly and with a clear
purpose. Please submit your blog article in .doc format electronically through the ‘Turnitin’
link on the 7018HUM Aula module space.

Module Learning Outcomes Assessed in

this
assignment?

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, Yes

LO1:
and a critical awareness of current debates addressing
the changing nature of war and terrorism
Evaluate critically the complexities (causes, conduct
LO2 No
and consequences) of the use of force in international
relations.

LO3 Exhibit a conceptual understanding of how the No

changing character of war relates to diplomacy and
international relations

You will find full details of how these Learning Outcomes will be assessed by this
assignment in the marking rubric at the end of this brief. You should read this as it
 explains how submitted work achieves certain grades. It will be useful in preparing your
assignment as well as in understanding your feedback.

Marking Process and Feedback

The completed blog post will be marked by the module leader online via Turnitin. There will
be inline comments along with an overall 250-word summary. Marks will be released once
they have been moderated by an independent member of the teaching staff.

Ethics
The ethical issues associated with this assignment brief will be covered during the module
teaching and are overseen by the module staff team. The work that you will carry out on this
module does not require you to obtain individual ethical clearance for your individual project.
However, during discussion with your module tutor, if it is felt that individual ethical
authorization is needed, you will be advised of the process and the deadline for obtaining it.

Extensions and Mitigating Circumstances

We want you to do your best in each assessment. However, we know that sometimes events
happen that are either beyond your control or not easy to predict and which mean that you will
not be able to submit your coursework by the deadline. If this happens, you can apply for an
extension to your deadline according to our regulations. If you need longer than the extension
window, you can apply for a deferral, which takes you to the next assessment period. You
must apply for an extension or a deferral before the assignment deadline stated on SONIC.

Apply for an extension or deferral at: mitigation.fah@coventry.ac.uk or by speaking in

person to a member of the Registry Team.

Find information about the process and what is/is not considered to be an event beyond your
control here.

Please note: under no circumstances are module staff allowed to give unofficial
extensions.

Late or non-submission
You must make every effort to submit the best work possible prior to the deadline. If your
assignment is submitted online, please do not leave it until the last minute to submit. Aim to
several hours prior the deadline, or earlier, in case you have any problems submitting.

If you fail to submit work for the module or submit an assessed piece of work late without an
agreed extension, you will receive a mark of 0% for that piece of work, even if it is only a few
minutes late. You will however be eligible for a re-sit attempt at the next available assessment
opportunity where, if you pass, your mark will be capped at 40%.

If you fail the resit assignment, or do not hand in any submission, you one further resit attempt
at the assignment. After a second failed/non-submitted resit attempt you will have failed the
module. This may have an impact on your ability to progress on your course and/or on your
final marks for your degree.

If you fail this assignment on the first submission, the resit brief for the module can be found
on the module’s Aula space. Read this brief carefully and book a tutorial with the Module
Leader to ensure that you are clear about what you need to do to pass the module at the next
resit opportunity.

Academic Misconduct
We expect all students to act with academic integrity, which means that they will study and
produce work in an open, honest and responsible manner.

Academic misconduct covers any action by a student to gain unfair advantage (e.g. extra
marks) for her/himself, or for another student, in their assessed work. It not only damages your
personal reputation, but also the reputation of the entire university, and it will not be tolerated
at Coventry University. There are severe penalties for students who are found guilty of
academic misconduct ranging from obtaining a mark of 0% for the piece of work concerned,
through to exclusion from the University.

Many modules require you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work of others
(artists, makers, practitioners, academics, designers, performers, etc.). It is vital that you make
it absolutely clear when you are using work from other sources, and that you reference it
clearly and correctly. If you are unsure how to reference, please refer to the CU Harvard
Referencing Guide here and speak to a tutor on the module immediately.

Support for correct referencing can also be found though the Centre for Academic Writing
(CAW).

For full details of what constitutes academic dishonesty and how to avoid it, please see the
section in the Faculty Student Handbook, available on your course’s Aula space.

Assessment Criteria
There are standard University Assessment criteria that you can use to assist with
understanding the mark you receive for this assignment. You can find these here.

The criteria that are specific to this assignment are as follows:

 GUIDE TO MARKING CRITERIA
Mark band Outcome Guidelines
Distinction - Exceptional work with very high degree of rigour, creativity
and critical/analytic skills. Mastery of knowledge and subject-specific
theories with originality and autonomy. Demonstrates exceptional ability
to analyse and apply concepts within the complexities and uncertainties
of the subject/discipline.
90-100% Innovative research with exceptional ability in the utilisation of research
methodologies. Demonstrates, creativity, originality and outstanding
Distinction problem-solving skills. Work completed with very high degree of
accuracy, proficiency and autonomy. Exceptional communication and
expression demonstrated throughout. Student evidences the full range
of technical and/or artistic skills. Work pushes the boundaries of the
discipline and may be strongly considered for external
publication/dissemination/presentation.
Distinction - Outstanding work with high degree of rigour, creativity and
critical/analytic skills. Near mastery of knowledge and subject-specific
theories with originality and autonomy. Demonstrates outstanding
ability to analyse and apply concepts within the complexities and
uncertainties of the subject/discipline.
80-89% Innovative research with outstanding ability in the utilisation of research
methodologies. Work consistently demonstrates creativity, originality
Distinction and outstanding problem-solving skills. Work completed with high
degree of accuracy, proficiency and autonomy. Outstanding
communication and expression demonstrated throughout. Student
demonstrates a very wide range of technical and/or artistic skills. With
Meets
some amendments, the work may be considered for external
learning
publication/dissemination/presentation
outcomes
Distinction - Excellent work undertaken with rigour, creativity and
critical/analytic skills. Excellent degree of knowledge and subject-specific
theories with originality and autonomy demonstrated. The work exhibits
excellent ability to analyse and apply concepts within the complexities
70-79% and uncertainties of the subject/discipline.
Innovative research with excellent ability in the utilisation of research
Distinction methodologies. Work demonstrates creativity, originality and excellent
problem-solving skills. Work completed with very consistent levels of
accuracy, proficiency and autonomy. Excellent communication and
expression demonstrated throughout. Student demonstrates a very wide
range of technical and/or artistic skills.
Merit - Very good work often undertaken with rigour, creativity and
critical/analytic skills. Very good degree of knowledge and subject-
specific theories with some originality and autonomy demonstrated. The
work often exhibits the ability to fully analyse and apply concepts within
60-69% the complexities and uncertainties of the subject/discipline.
Very good research evidence and shows very good ability in the
Merit utilisation of research methodologies. Work demonstrates creativity,
originality and problem-solving skills. Work completed with very
consistent levels of accuracy, proficiency and autonomy. Very good
communication and expression demonstrated throughout. Student
demonstrates a wide range of technical and/or artistic skills.
50-59% Pass - Good work undertaken with some creativity and critical/analytic
skills. Demonstrates knowledge and subject-specific theories with some
Pass originality and autonomy demonstrated. The work exhibits the ability to
analyse and apply concepts within the complexities and uncertainties of
the subject/discipline.
Good research and shows some ability in the utilisation of research
methodologies. Work demonstrates problem-solving skills and is
completed with some level of accuracy, proficiency and autonomy.
Satisfactory communication and expression demonstrated throughout.
Student demonstrates some of the technical and/or artistic skills.
Pass - Assessment demonstrates some advanced knowledge and
understanding of the subject informed by current practice, scholarship
and research. Work may be incomplete with some irrelevant material
present. Sometimes demonstrates the ability to analyse and apply
concepts within the complexities and uncertainties of the
40-49%
subject/discipline.
Acceptable research with evidence of basic ability in the utilisation of
Pass
research methodologies. Demonstrates some originality, creativity and
problem-solving skills but often with inconsistencies. Expression and
presentation sufficient for accuracy and proficiency. Sufficient
communication and expression with professional skill set. Student
demonstrates some technical and/or artistic skills.
Fail - Very limited understanding of relevant theories, concepts and
issues with deficiencies in rigour and analysis. Some relevant material
may be present but be informed from very limited sources. Fundamental
errors and some misunderstanding likely to be present. Demonstrates
limited ability to analyse and apply concepts within the complexities and
30-39%
uncertainties of the subject/discipline.
Limited research scope and ability in the utilisation of research
Fail
methodologies. Limited originality, creativity, and struggles with
problem-solving skills. Expression and presentation insufficient for
accuracy and proficiency. Insufficient communication and expression
and with deficiencies in professional skill set. Student demonstrates
deficiencies in the range of technical and/or artistic skills.
Fail - Clear failure demonstrating little understanding of relevant
theories, concepts, issues and only a vague knowledge of the area. Little
relevant material may be present and informed from very limited
Fails to
sources. Serious and fundamental errors and virtually no evidence of
achieve
relevant research. Fundamental errors and misunderstandings likely to
learning
20-29% be present.
outcomes
Little or no research with no evidence of utilisation of research
Fail - methodologies. No originality, creativity, and struggles with problem-
solving skills. Expression and presentation insufficient for accuracy and
proficiency. Insufficient communication and expression and with serious
deficiencies in professional skill set. Student has clear deficiencies in
range of technical and/or artistic skills.
Fail - Clear failure demonstrating no understanding of relevant theories,
concepts, issues and no understanding of area. Little or no relevant
material may be present and informed from minimal sources. No
0-19% evidence of ability in the utilisation of research methodologies. No
evidence of originality, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Expression
Fail and presentation deficient for accuracy and proficiency. Insufficient
communication and expression and with deficiencies in professional skill
set. Student has clear deficiencies in range of technical and/or artistic
skills.
 Marking rubric
GRADE RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE
Distinction
Innovative relevant
90-100% contemporary research with
exceptional ability in the
utilisation of research
methodologies.
Wide range of sources used,
going beyond the
recommended texts, and
including scholarly articles,
official reports, and case
studies.
Mastery of knowledge and
awareness of current
problems/ insights, related to
the processes and definition
of the research topic.
Distinction
Innovative relevant
80-89% contemporary research with
ANALYSIS & ARGUMENT
Exceptional work with a very
high degree of rigour,
creativity, and
critical/analytic evaluation of
causes of the research topic,
responses, and strategies.
Demonstrates exceptional
ability to synthesise and
analyse information and
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
Demonstrates creativity,
originality, and outstanding
problem-solving skills.
Work completed with very
high degree of accuracy,
proficiency, and autonomy.
Outstanding work with a high
degree of rigour, creativity,
STRUCTURE &
COMMUNICATION
Very clearly organised and
logically structured, following
through a coherent essay
from aims to conclusion.
Very well written, with good
command of presentation
grammar, syntax, spelling,
and punctuation.
Wide range of appropriately
supporting evidence
provided, which is accurately
and consistently referenced
throughout.
Exceptional communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
Very clearly organised and
logically structured, following
SUMMARY
An outstanding, well-
structured, and appropriately
referenced essay,
demonstrating a high degree
of understanding of the
processes of the research
topic and the current
problems.
Clear critical analysis and
evaluation and argument
throughout.
Work pushes the boundaries
of the discipline and may be
strongly considered for
external
publication/dissemination/
presentation.
Meets learning outcomes.
An outstanding, well-
structured, and appropriately
 outstanding ability in the
utilisation of research
methodologies.
Wide range of sources used,
going beyond the
recommended texts, and
including scholarly articles,
official reports, and case
studies.
Near mastery of knowledge
and awareness of current
problems/ insights, related to
the processes and definition
of the research topic.
Distinction
Excellent relevant
70-79% contemporary research with
excellent ability in the
utilisation of research
methodologies.
Wide range of sources used,
going beyond the
recommended texts, and
including scholarly articles,
official reports, and case
studies.
and critical/analytic
evaluation.
Demonstrates outstanding
ability to synthesise and
analyse information and
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
Demonstrates creativity,
originality, and outstanding
problem-solving skills.
Work completed with high
degree of accuracy,
proficiency, and autonomy.
Excellent work undertaken
with rigour, creativity, and
critical/ analytic evaluation.
Demonstrates excellent
ability to synthesise and
analyse information and
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
through a coherent essay
from aims to conclusion.
Very well written, with good
command of presentation
grammar, syntax, spelling,
and punctuation.
Wide range of appropriately
supporting evidence
provided, which is accurately
and consistently referenced
throughout.
Outstanding communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
Very clearly organised and
logically structured, following
through a coherent essay
from aims to conclusion.
Very well written, with good
command of presentation
grammar, syntax, spelling,
and punctuation.
Wide range of appropriately
supporting evidence
provided, which is accurately
referenced essay,
demonstrating a high degree
of understanding of the
processes of the research
topic and the current
problems.
Clear critical analysis and
evaluation and argument
throughout.
With some amendments, the
work may be considered for
external
publication/dissemination/
presentation
Meets learning outcomes.
An excellent, well-structured,
and appropriately referenced
essay, demonstrating a high
degree of understanding of
the processes of the research
topic and essay specific
current problems.
Clear critical analysis and
evaluation and argument
throughout.
Meets learning outcomes.
 Excellent knowledge and
awareness of current
problems/ insights, related to
the processes and definition
of the research topic.
Demonstrates creativity,
originality, and excellent
problem-solving skills.
Work completed with a high
degree of accuracy,
proficiency, and autonomy.
and consistently referenced
throughout.
Excellent communication and
expression demonstrated
throughout.

Merit
Very good relevant research
60-69% with very good ability in the
utilisation of research
methodologies.
Wide range of sources used,
going beyond the
recommended texts, and
including scholarly articles,
official reports, and case
studies.
Very good degree of
knowledge and awareness of
current problems/ insights,
related to the processes and
definition of the research
topic.
Very good work often
undertaken with rigour,
creativity, and critical/
analytic evaluation.
A generally clear line of
critical and evaluative
argument is presented.
Relationships between
statements and sections are
easy to follow.
The work often exhibits the
ability to synthesise and
analyse information and
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
Demonstrates creativity,
originality, and problem-
solving skills.
Clearly organised and
logically structured, following
through a coherent essay
from aims to conclusion.
Well written, with generally
good command of
presentation grammar,
syntax, spelling, and
punctuation.
A very good range of
appropriately supporting
evidence is used in a largely
accurately and consistent
way, and correctly referenced
in the main.
Very good communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
A very good, well-structured,
and well reference referenced
essay, demonstrating a a
very good degree of
understanding of the
processes of the research
topic and essay specific
current problems.
Very good critical analysis
and evaluation and argument
in the main.
Meets learning outcomes.
 Work completed with very
consistent degree of
accuracy, proficiency, and
autonomy.

Pass
Good relevant research with
50-59 good ability in the utilisation
of research methodologies.
Appropriate range of sources
used, to the recommended
texts, and may include
scholarly articles, official
reports, and case studies.
Demonstrates knowledge and
awareness of current
problems/ insights, related to
the processes and definition
of the research topic.
Good work undertaken with
some rigour, creativity, and
critical/ analytic evaluation of
the research topic. However,
there are errors or omissions.
Some critical discussion,
through evaluation and
argument is present, but the
argument is not always
convincing, and the work is
descriptive in places, with
over-reliance on others.
Relationships between
statements and sections are
easy to follow.
Organised and structured to
a satisfactory standard.
However, the essay lacks
some cohesion and flow from
aims to conclusion.
Adequately written, with
generally sound command of
grammar and syntax, though
with a few errors of spelling
and punctuation.
There is an adequate range
and use of supporting
evidence and sources, but
referencing is not always
correctly presented.
The answer demonstrates a
good understanding of some
relevant theories, concepts,
and issues, but there are
some errors and irrelevant
material included.
The structure lacks cohesion
and clarity, and the critical
evaluation of the subject is
descriptive in places.
Meets learning outcomes.

The work often exhibits the Satisfactory communication

ability to synthesise and and expression demonstrated
analyse information and throughout.
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.

Pass
Acceptable research with
40-49 evidence of basic ability in
the utilisation of research
methodologies.
A limited range of sources
used, work may be
incomplete or outdated, with
some irrelevant material
presented.
Demonstrates some
knowledge and awareness of
current problems/ insights,
related to the processes and
definition of the research
topic.
Demonstrates in places
creativity, originality, and
problem-solving skills.
Work completed does not
have a consistent degree of
accuracy, proficiency, and
autonomy.
The work is descriptive with
minimal critical evaluation or
analysis.There are errors or
omissions.
Limited critical discussion and
limited scholarly
engagement, the arguments
are not always clear, and the
work is descriptive in places,
with over-reliance on others.
Sometimes demonstrates the
ability to synthesise and
analyse information and
apply relevant concepts
within the complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
Some but limited
demonstration of creativity,
The work is organised and The answer demonstrates a
structured to a sufficient sufficient understanding of
standard. However, the essay some relevant
structure is unclear in parts theories, concepts, and
and lacks some cohesion and issues, but this is based on
flow from aims to conclusion. limited research and use of
sources.
Adequately written, with
generally sound command of
grammar and syntax, though The structure lacks cohesion
with a few errors of spelling and clarity, and the critical
and punctuation. evaluation of the subject is
largely descriptive in places.
There is a limited range and
use of supporting evidence Meets learning outcomes.
and sources. Referencing is
not always correctly
presented.
Sufficient communication and
expression demonstrated
throughout.

Fail
Limited research scope and
30-39% ability in the utilisation of
research methodologies.
A limited range of sources
used, work may be
incomplete or outdated, with
some irrelevant material
presented.
Some relevant material may
be present but be informed
from very limited sources.
Very limited understanding of
knowledge and awareness of
current problems/ insights,
related to the processes and
definition of the research
topic.
originality, and problem-
solving skills.
Work completed does not
have a good degree of
accuracy or proficiency.
The work is descriptive with
minimal evidence of critical
evaluation or analysis. There
are errors or omissions.
Very limited critical
discussion and limited
scholarly engagement, the
arguments are unclear, and
the work is very descriptive.
Demonstrates limited ability
to synthesise and analyse
information and apply
relevant concepts within the
complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
Limited originality, creativity,
and struggles with problem-
solving skills
Some deviation from the
objectives of the assessment
task. May not consistently
The work is disorganised and
does not have a logical
structure. It lacks cohesion
and flow from aims to
conclusion.
It is very poorly written, with
inadequate command of
grammar and syntax, and
with errors of spelling and
punctuation.
There is a very limited range
and use of supporting
evidence and sources.
Referencing is poorly
presented.
Insufficient communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
Whilst some relevant
material is present, the level
of understanding is poor with
limited evidence of wider
reading.
Poor structure and poor
presentation, including
referencing. At the lower end
there is evidence of a lack of
comprehension, resulting in
an assignment that is well
below the required standard.
Fails to achieve learning
outcomes.

Fail
Little or no research with no
20-29% evidence of utilisation of
research methodologies.
Very limited range of sources
used, work is incomplete or
outdated, with irrelevant
material presented.
Little relevant material
present and informed from
very limited sources.
Virtually no understanding of
knowledge and awareness of
current problems/ insights,
related to the processes and
definition of the research
topic.
address the assignment brief.
At the lower end fails to
answer the question set or
address the learning
outcomes.
The work is descriptive with
little evidence of critical
evaluation.
Very limited critical
discussion and limited
scholarly engagement, any
arguments are vague and
demonstrates a vague
knowledge. the arguments
are unclear, and the.
No synthesise and analysis of
relevant information, or
application of relevant
concepts within the
complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
No originality, creativity, and
struggles with problem-
solving skills
Some deviation from the
objectives of the assessment
The work is disorganised and
does not have a logical
structure. It lacks cohesion
and flow from aims to
conclusion.
It is very poorly written, with
inadequate command of
grammar and syntax, and
with errors of spelling and
punctuation.
There is a very limited range
and use of supporting
evidence and sources.
Referencing is poorly
presented.
Insufficient communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
Little relevant material is
present, the level of
understanding is poor with
limited evidence of wider
reading.
Poor structure and poor
presentation, including
referencing. At the lower end
there is evidence of a lack of
comprehension, resulting in
an assignment that is well
below the required standard.
Fails to achieve learning
outcomes

Fail
Little or no research with no
0-19% evidence of utilisation of
research methodologies.
Very limited range of sources
used, work is incomplete or
outdated, with irrelevant
material presented.
Little relevant material
present and informed from
very limited sources.
No understanding of
knowledge and awareness of
current problems/ insights,
related to the processes and
definition of the research
topic.
Late 0 0
submission
task. Does not consistently
address the assignment brief.
The work is descriptive with
little or no evidence of critical
evaluation or analysis.
Little or no critical discussion
and limited scholarly any
arguments are vague and
demonstrates a vague
knowledge. the arguments
are unclear, and the.
No synthesise and analysis of
relevant information, or
application of relevant
concepts within the
complexities and
uncertainties of the research
topic.
No originality, creativity, and
struggles with problem-
solving skills
Some deviation from the
objectives of the assessment
task. Does not consistently
address the assignment brief.
The work is disorganised and
does not have a logical
structure. It lacks cohesion
and flow from aims to
conclusion.
It is very poorly written, with
inadequate command of
grammar and syntax, and
with errors of spelling and
punctuation.
There is no use of supporting
evidence and sources.
Referencing is poor.
Insufficient communication
and expression demonstrated
throughout.
0 0
No relevant material is
present, the level of
understanding is poor with
limited evidence of wider
reading.
Poor structure and poor
presentation, including
referencing. At the lower end
there is evidence of a lack of
comprehension, resulting in
an assignment that is well
below the required standard.
Fails to achieve learning
outcomes.