HSEC 2005 Politics and Terrorism

This course focuses on an historical overview of politics and terrorism. Fundamental questions of what is terrorism, who defines terrorism, who or what perpetrates terrorism, and what are the motives and intentions of terrorism and terrorists are addressed. Students develop an understanding of the vocabulary, concepts, and perceptions of domestic and international terrorism to help them effectively ask and answer these fundamental questions. Students will examine religious and political extremism from a historical and political perspective reviewing various key philosophies, as well as current ideologies and personalities. Students will also explore the realm of data and information available that attempts to understand the existence of such conflict. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Major Topics

• Defining Terrorism and Terrorists
• Sources of Information and Data Regarding Terrorism
• Vocabulary and Ideology of Terrorism
• Historical and Philosophical Foundations for Terrorism

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Report on various definitions and descriptions of what is terrorism and who are terrorists.

2. Discuss the nature of past threats and incidents categorized as political violence and terrorism.

3. Examine the types of current terrorism behavior and political violence and the likely shape of future terrorism and political violence.

4. Compare and contrast various political ideologies and theories as to the nature, cause, and existence of political violence and terrorism.

5. Explain the role of government, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens in controlling political violence.

6. Distinguish between the concepts of terrorism and revolutionary acts, with an emphasis on the legitimacy potential (or lack thereof) of terrorists groups and individuals.

7. Compare and contrast terrorism, civil war, revolution, and other forms of domestic level political violence.

8. Examine the role of and use of the media in spreading and / or explaining terrorist acts or acts of political violence.

9. Evaluate the legitimacy of torture in the attempt to obtain necessary information.

Other Information

Any information placed here must be adhered to by all instructors:

Contact on-campus instructor for textbook.