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Table of Contents
Course
Description
Texts
Course
Objectives
Class
Schedule
Course
Requirements
Grading
Attendance
Policy
Honor
Code
Class
Discussion
Essays
Taking
Exams
Bibliography
Course Description:
Study
of the forces involved in terrorism and the issues surrounding homeland
security.
Texts:
Russell D. Howard & Reid Sawyer. Editors. Terrorism and
Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Reading and
Interpretations. Second Edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2006.
ISBN 0-07-352771-8.
Russell Howard, James Forest, Joanne Moore. Editiors. Homeland
Security and Terrorism: Reading and Interpretations. New York: McGraw
Hill, 2006. ISBN 0-07-145282-6.
The 9/11 Commission Report.
Students will also be expected to get a subscription to the New York Times,
read it daily and
follow other news sources.
There may be journal articles assigned from time to time.
Students may want to read material from a number of online sites.
Students may want to make use of the Congressional Research
Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs found online at:
http://fpc.state.gov/fpc/c4763.htm
Some of these reports are excellent reviews of issues related to terrorism and
homeland security.
An excellent site for information on terrorist groups is found at the Memorial
Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT):
http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
The Jamestown Foundation maintains a useful site on international terrorism at:
http://www.jamestown.org/
Very good articles on terrorism and homeland security may
be found at the site of The Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.foreignaffairs.org/
The Council has also established, in cooperation with The Markle Foundation, a
new online encyclopedia on terrorism at:
http://www.terrorismanswers.com/home/
Very good articles on terrorism and homeland security
(and links to public opinion polls on the views of ordinary Americans and
elites on those issues) may be found at the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations
site at:
http://www.ccfr.org/
The Brookings Institution (a generally liberal think tank) sponsors a number of studies on terrorism and homeland security and may be located online at: http://www.brook.edu/
The Heritage Foundation (a generally conservative think tank) sponsors a site
containing studies on terrorism and homeland security
at:
http://nationalsecurity.org/
Very useful information on terrorism and homeland security may be found at the CIA web site at: http://www.cia.gov/ The CIA World Fact Book is quite useful.
One may also wish to visit the homepage of the Department of Homeland Security at: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/index.jsp
Course Objectives:
Upon
completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a capacity for critical and analytical thought about the issues surrounding terrorism and homeland security.
2. Demonstrate an ability to communicate their knowledge and beliefs about terrorism and homeland security both orally and in writing.
3. Discuss the causes of terrorism and the effectiveness of homeland security policies.
4. Identify the principal models used by political scientists in studying terrorism and evaluating homeland security measures.
5. Discuss important political issues associated with terrorism and the measures taken to protect homeland security.
6. Identify information regarding terrorism and homeland security that is necessary and useful for responsible citizenship.
7. Discuss how terrorism and homeland security polices have been shaped by the
dynamic global forces of the past half century.
Week 1 Introduction to the Study of Terrorism and
Homeland Security
Jan. 17-19
Read: Terrorism and
Counterterrorism: Chpt. 1
Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpt. 1
Use of Online Sources
Special Topics:
W: What is Terrorism?
F: Surveying the Threat
Essay No. 1 After explaining the conceptual problems associated
with defining terrorism, advance and defend the best definition of the
phenomenon. This three page essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 2 Causes, Recruitment, Organizational Issues, and Tactics
Jan.
22-26
Read: Terrorism
and Counterterrorism: Chpts. 2, 3
Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpts. 5, 6
Use of Online Sources
All students are required to attend as many as possible of the public events
and panels associated with the Global Democracy Conference to be held at
Longwood and Hampden-Sydney between Jan. 25-27. Such attendance will be
vital to the essay due next week. Go to the Longwood home page for links
to information about the Conference. http://www.longwood.edu/democracy/index.htm
Special Topics:
M: Making
Terrorists
W: State Sponsors - Special Guest Speaker in class:
Ambassador Thomas Boyat
F:
Organization and Tactics
Essay No. 2
Write a three page essay
in which you explain the principal causes of terrorism. This
essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 3 Terrorism, the
Media, Cyberspace, and
Public Opinion
Jan. 29 - February 2
Read:
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Chpt. 3, 6 (pp. 352-366), 7
Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpt. 22, 23, 27
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Terrorist Propaganda and the Media
W: Terrorism and Cyberspace
Article on dealing
with cyber terrorism: http://www.businessroundtable.org/pdf/20060622002CyberReconFinal6106.pdf
F: Terrorism and the Public
Essay
No. 3
Write a three page essay on how important issues associated
with contemporary terrorism, the war on terror, and homeland security problems
and policies relate to issues involved in the efforts to develop and maintain
democracy. Writing this essay will require that you not only think about
what you have been reading, but you must also reflect upon what you learned at
last week's conference that relates to this essay topic. This essay
is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 4 Why is America a Target?
Feb.
5-9
Read: Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: America blamed as the Evil Force behind Globalization, Role of
Ideologies
W: Resisting American Foreign Policies
F: NOTE: Your first
test will be given on Friday, Feb.9. This essay test will count for 1/6 of your semester
grade.
Week 5 Terrorism - Not Something New - Some Historical
Perspective
Feb. 12-16
Read: Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Europe and Latin
America
W: South
Asia and South East Asia
F: The Legacy of Terrorism in American History
Essay No. 4
Write a three page essay in which you explain the legacy of terrorism in
American history. This essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 6 Terrorism
in the Middle East
Feb. 19-23
Read: Terrorism and Counterterrorism:
Chpts. 4, 6
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Zionism and the creation of Israel
Article on Zionism: http://www.mideastweb.org/zionism.htm
Israel: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/is.html
W: Palestinian
Groups
Palestine Liberation Organization: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4182
Al-Fatah: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=128
Palestinian Islamic Jihad: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=82
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades http://www.cfr.org/publication/9127/alaqsa_martyrs_brigades_palestinian_nationalists.html
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=85
Hamas: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=49
and
http://www.cfr.org/publication/8968/hamas.html?breadcrumb=%2Fissue%2Fpublication_list%3Fgroupby%3D0%26id%3D456%26filter%3D411
F: Hezbollah
Hezbollah: http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=3101
http://www.cfr.org/publication/9155/hezbollah_aka_hizbollah_hizbullah.html?breadcrumb=%2Fissue%2Fpublication_list%3Fgroupby%3D0%26id%3D456%26filter%3D409
Lebanon: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/le.html
Essay No.
5
Write a three page essay on opposition to the existence of Israel
as a central cause advanced by many Middle Eastern Terrorist movements.
This essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 7 Origins
and Evolution of Al Qaeda
Feb. 26 - March 2
Read: The 9/11 Commission Report,
Chpts. 2, 4, 5
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Chpt. 4
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Religion and Terrorism: From the Muslim Brotherhood to Al Qaeda
W: Jihad against the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan
F:
Declaring War on America
Essay No. 6
Write a three page essay explaining how Al
Qaeda became more powerful and why it chose to declare war on America and launch
the 9/11 attacks.
This essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 8 The 9/11
Attacks
March 5-9
Read: The 9/11 Commission Report,
Chpts. 1, 7, 8, 9, 10
Homeland
Security and Terrorism: Chpt. 2
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Planning and Executing the 9/11 Attacks
W: The
Intelligence and Security Failures Leading to 9/11
F: NOTE:
Your second test will be given on Friday, March 9. This essay test will count for 1/6
of your semester grade.
SPRING BREAK MARCH 10-18
Week 9 Planning
to Protect the Homeland
March 19-23
Read: The 9/11 Commission Report,
Chpts. 3, 6, 11, 12, 13
Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpt. 8, 11
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Planning and Preparedness Before 9/11
W: Recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission and Other Reports
F: The
Implementation and Critique of the 9/11 Commission's Recommendations
Essay No. 7
Write a three page essay in which you evaluate the most important
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. This essay is due on Friday by
4:00 p.m.
Week 10 The Politics of Counterterrorism and
Homeland Security
March 26-30
Read: Terrorism and
Counterterrorism: Chpt. 8
Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpts. 24, 25, 26
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: The War on Terror, The Patriot Act, and the Rule of Law
W: The Politics of Intelligence Reform
F: The
Department of Homeland Security
Essay No. 8
Write a three page essay on the debate over how to
balance security with the rule of law and protection of personal liberties.
This essay is due on Friday by 4:00 p.m.
Week 11 Preventing
Future Attacks
April 2-6
Read: Homeland Security and Terrorism: Chpts. 7, 9, 12,
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Aviation Security
W: Port
Security
F: Border Security
Essay
No. 9
Write a three page essay on the challenges of securing
points of entry into the United States. This essay is due on Friday
by 4:00 p.m.
Week 12 The WMD Nightmare
April 9-13
Read: Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Chpt. 5
Homeland
Security and Terrorism: Chpts. 3, 4, 12, 14, 28, 29, 30
Use of Online
Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: The Technological Issues and Impact
W: Proposed Solutions to the Threat
F: NOTE:
You will have your third test on Friday, April 13. This essay test will count for 1/6 of
your semester grade.
Week 13 First Responders
April 16-20
Read: Homeland Security and
Terrorism: Chpts. 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Use of Online Sources: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Getting Ready for Attacks
W: First
Responders
F: Recovering from Attacks
Essay
No. 10
Write a three
page essay explaining the most important challenges facing first responders.
This essay is due on Friday
by 4:00 p.m.
Week 14 Ethical
Issues
April 23-27
Read: Use of Online Materials: http://www.cfr.org/issue/135/terrorism.html
and http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
Special Topics:
M: Ethical Issues Surrounding Terrorism
W: Ethical
Issues Surrounding Counterterrorism
F: Review
April 27 Last day of Classes
April
28
Reading Day
April 3-May 4 Final Exam Period
Your final exam will count for 1/6 of your semester grade. It will be a
comprehensive essay examination.
Your final exam will be given at 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4.
May 12 Commencement
Course Requirements:
Three Essay Tests
Ten essays written during the semester
Contribution to class discussion
Final comprehensive exam
Grading:
Your grade will be based upon
three tests given during the course of the semester, your total score on ten
three page essays, your contribution to class
discussion, and a final exam. Each of these will count for 1/6 of your
grade. Each of the exams will involve an essay format. The final
examination will be comprehensive.
Attendance Policy:
The
attendance policy for this course is the University policy found in the
University Catalog and Student Handbook.
Honor Code:
Students are expected
to live by the Longwood University Honor Code. All work done for the class must
be pledged. Your instructor will not tolerate any form of cheating.
Class Discussion:
Students
are expected to make contributions to class discussion. Your grade in this
regard will be based upon participation during the semester.
Ten Essays: You will write
10 three page essays during the
course of the semester. The topics for these short essays are listed in the
course outline. Each paper is worth 10 points and is due on the Friday of each week for which a paper is due. Late papers will
lose points.
The papers will follow the Turabian format.
A
shorter version of that style manual can be found on the History style manual at
the following web address: <http://www.longwood.edu/history/HDPTSTS2.htm>
Taking Exams:
Exams must be
taken on time. You are expected to provide proof for any legitimate reason
(illness, participation in a University-sponsored activity, or recognizable
emergency) you have for missing an exam. Having another test on the dame
day or having problems with the person you are dating are not valid reasons for
missing a test.
Bibliography:
Required
Reading:
James A. Fagan. When Terrorism Strikes Home: Defending the United
States. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2006.
Brigitte L. Nacos. Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding
Threats and Responses in the Post - 9/11 World. New York: Pearson/Longman,
2006.
Dennis Okerstrom. Peace, War, and Terrorism. New York:
Pearson/Longman, 2006.
The 9/11 Commission Report.
Suggested Reading or Reference:
Students may make use of the excellent and very extensive bibliographies provided in the texts.
Here is a list of e-books available through the Greenwood Library:
AMATEUR
SOLDIERS, GLOBAL WARS [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : INSURGENCY AND MODERN CONFLICT /
MICHAEL C. FOWLER.
FROM
SECULARISM TO JIHAD [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : SAYYID QUTB AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF
RADICAL ISLAMISM / ADNAN A. MUSALLAM.
HANDBOOK
OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AND TERRORISM [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] / STEVEN L.
HOLIEST WARS [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : ISLAMIC MAHDIS, THEIR JIHADS, AND OSAMA BIN LADEN / TIMOTHY R. FURNISH ; FOREWORD BY MICHAEL RUBIN. Internet Resource.
INTERNATIONAL
TERRORISM IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] / EDITED BY MARIUS H.
LIVINGSTON WITH LEE BRUCE KRESS AND MARIE G. WANEK.
MARTYRDOM
[ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : THE PSYCHOLOGY, THEOLOGY, AND POLITICS OF SELF
-SACRIFICE / EDITED BY RONA M. FIELDS ... [ET AL.] Internet Resource.
MODERNIZATION,
DEMOCRACY, AND ISLAM [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] / EDITED BY SHIREEN T.
ON
TERRORISM AND COMBATING TERRORISM [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : PROCEEDINGS OF AN
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR, TEL-AVIV, 1979 / EDITED BY ARIEL MERARI.
REVOLUTIONARY
APOCALYPSE [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : IDEOLOGICAL ROOTS OF TERRORISM / LUCIANO
PELLICANI.
THE
DEADLY SIN OF TERRORISM [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : ITS EFFECT ON DEMOCRACY AND
THE
FUTURE OF ISLAM IN THE MIDDLE EAST [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] : FUNDAMENTALISM IN
THE
GATHERING BIOLOGICAL WARFARE STORM [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] / EDITED BY JIM A.
Vincent Burns and Kate Dempsey Peterson. Terrorism: A Documentary and
Reference Guide. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Security
International, 2005.
William M. Evan. War & Peace in an Age of Terrorism: A Reader.
New York: Pearson/Longman, 2006.
James A. Fagan. When Terrorism Strikes Home: Defending the United
States. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2006.
James J. F. Forest. Editor. Homeland Security: Protecting America's
Targets. Three Volumes. Volume I: Borders and Points of
Entry; Volume II: Public Spaces and Social Institutions; Volume
III: Critical Infrastructures. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger
Security International, 2006
James J. F. Forest. Editor. The Making of a Terrorist:
Recruitment, Training, and Root Causes. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger
Security International, 2005.
Fawaz A. Gerges. The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global. New
York: Cambridge University Press. 2005.
Daniel Goldstein. Securing America's Future. National Strategy in
the Information Age. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Security
International, 2005.
Christopher Hewitt. Political Violence and Terror in Modern America: A
Chronology. Connecticut: Praeger Security International, 2005.
Bernard Lewis. What Went Wrong: The Clash Between Islam and Modernity
in the Middle East. New York: Haper/Collins, 2003.
Brigitte L. Nacos. Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding
Threats and Responses in the Post - 9/11 World. New York:
Pearson/Longman,
2006.
Dennis Okerstrom. Peace, War, and Terrorism. New York:
Pearson/Longman, 2006.
Richard A. Posner. Preventing Surprise Attacks: Intelligence Reform in
the Wake of 9/11. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield
Publishers, 2005
Barry R. Schneider and Jim A. Davis. Combating Weapons of Mass
Destruction: Avoiding the Abyss. Connecticut: Praeger Security
International, 2006.
Jessica Stern. Terrorism in the Name of God: Why Religious
Militants Kill. New York: Harper/Collins Publisher, 2004.