POL 229W - Political Terrorism

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Studies state- and non-state sponsored terrorism: definition, causes and motives, purposes, and nature of terrorism; tactics and weapons; objects and audiences; responses of objects and audiences: theory and case studies. (This course satisfies the American Government/Foundational Civics graduation requirement in all curricula)

Prerequisite(s): High School GPA of 2.5 or higher, OR any ENG course with grade of “C” or higher, OR POL 103W or POL 105W with a grade of “C” or higher
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Social Science
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Analyze the nature of terrorism, terrorist movements, and terrorists.
1. Define terrorism and terrorists.
2. Trace the history of global terrorism.
3. Classify terrorism by agent and target.
4. Analyze the responses of terrorist objects and audiences.
5. Differentiate between terrorist movements and revolutionary movements.
6. Explore the relationship between ideology and terrorism.
7. Describe and evaluate the motives and causes of terrorism.
8. Recognize and understand the tactics of terrorists.
9. Recognize and understand the uses of the weapons of terrorism.
Assess the effects of terrorism on institutions.
1. Explore the goals of terrorists and governments in their usage of media.
2. Describe terrorist propaganda.
3. Compare how authoritarian and non-authoritarian regimes enable terrorism.
4. Evaluate the counter-terrorist options of authoritarian and non-authoritarian regimes.
5. Describe diplomatic and political methods used to combat terrorist acts.
6. Appraise the effects of terrorism and counter-terrorism on law-enforcement and military.
Evaluate political, social and legal consequences of terrorism on the United States.
1. Examine the spectrum of terrorism affecting United States interests.
2. Summarize the roles of each branch of government in combating terrorism.
3. Distinguish the policy preferences for combating terrorism of major U.S political parties.
4. Critique laws and policies developed to combat terrorism.
5. Evaluate U.S. counter-terrorism policy.
6. Discuss how civil liberties are affected by terrorism.
Write effectively for a specific audience and purpose.
1. Articulate clearly important ideas.
2. Select, organize, and present details to support a main idea.
3. Employ the conventions of written, edited, standard English.
4. Quote, paraphrase and summarize accurately.
5. Document sources in a conventional style.
6. Use appropriate vocabulary for the audience and purpose.
Demonstrate the learning of concepts through writing.
1. Analyze course content in written form.
2. Explain the subject matter in a coherent writing style.