Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Through the use of case studies, first responders gain knowledge and understanding of terrorist behavior, typologies of terrorism and extremism, its ideology and role in domestic and international terrorism, preventative measures, threat, vulnerability and risk assessment procedures, weaponry, post-blast issues and other concerns. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze historical and current trends in terrorism, both foreign and domestic.
  • CSLO #2: Define terms commonly associated with terrorist attacks and connect them to various types of terrorist groups and organizations.
  • CSLO #3: Identify a potential target for a terrorist attack and conduct a preliminary target assessment of that site.
  • CSLO #4: Create a viable security plan for a potential target of a terrorist attack.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Investigate major historical terrorist events;
2. Examine domestic and foreign terrorism ideology;
3. Analyze the mindset and motivational factors of the suicide bomber;
4. Examine and analyze various tactics and techniques of terrorist attacks;
5. Explore evacuation and search procedures and techniques;
6. Examine the concept of asymmetrical warfare as it relates to terrorist attacks;
7. Identify the various types of explosives and their components;
8. Assess concepts of counter-terrorism security measures;
9. Analyze threat, vulnerability and risk assessment techniques;
10. Explore how terrorist attacks and actions impact law enforcement reactions and responses;
11. Identify and recognize various types and capabilities of explosives and other weaponry commonly used in terrorist attacks;
12. Analyze the response to the suicide bomber as it relates to legalities and deadly force; and
13. Outline effective counter-measure strategies for terrorist attacks and suicide bombers.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will properly identify various types of explosive devices commonly used during terrorist attacks.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will create a report that outlines an effective threat-assessment plan for a hypothetical target of a terrorist attack.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using lecture slides and video, Instructor will lead class discussion related to analyzing common tactics and techniques of terrorist bombing attacks.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will present lecture slides and videos related to potential targets of terrorist bombings; students will participate in related Discussion Board in which they analyze threat assessment to various hypothetical locations.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will read assigned pages from the textbook and be prepared to discuss the relationship to the class lectures as they connect to the current subject/topic. Students will provide real world examples of strategies involving countermeasures related to terrorist tactics. 2. Students will be responsible for reading current media, such as magazines and daily newspapers, regarding issues and aspects which focus on terrorism and related issues. For example, read an article from Time Magazine regarding the use of magnetometers by the Transportation Security Agency and then be prepared to discuss how it impinges upon an individuals rights and personal freedom.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Student will complete a series of one page reports on various topics covered in the course, relating them to specific examples of terrorism, security and the use of countermeasures to prevent acts of terrorism. 2. Student will conduct a physical site assessment of a public building and prepare a written analysis of vulnerabilities to the structure. For example, student will physically inspect the university's campus library in regards to security measures. Students will assess the use of alarms, cameras, locks, lights and fences surrounding the structure as well as procedures used by security personnel. Such procedures would include the use of how security officers assess identification and authorization of persons entering the building.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Students will submit a term paper on terrorism. As an example, the motivation and mindset of Timothy McVeigh, the individual responsible for the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. Another example would be the tactics and weapons used in the terrorist attack of the Nairobi Westgate Mall.

          Required Materials

          • Counterterrorism
            • Author: Bunker & Sullivan
            • Publisher: iUniverse
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 2015
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Recent and current-event case studies provided by Instructor.