POLS 0012. Terrorism
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of terrorism, including history, motives, and political impact. Implications of counterterrorism policies. (CSU, UC)
POLS 0012 - Terrorism
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pols-0012/
Catalog Description Hours: 54 lecture Description: Overview of terrorism, including history, motives, and political impact. Implications of counterterrorism policies. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Define terrorism and counterterrorism in order to distinguish them from other related forms of political behavior. CSLO #2: Evaluate the potential material and ideational causes of terrorism. CSLO #3: Explain the role that different motivating ideas have in selecting targets and tactics. CSLO #4: Explain why the media plays a crucial role in terrorism and counterterrorism. CSLO #5: Outline counterterrorism policy options and assess their acceptability and effectiveness. Effective Term Fall 2024 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Define terrorism and distinguish it from other forms of political violence; 2. compare potential material and ideational causes of terrorism; 3. trace the historical evolution of the contemporary phenomenon, focusing on motives, targets and tactics; 4. summarize the tradeoffs involved when terrorists opt for particular forms of organization; 5. evaluate the causal links between ideology and technology on the one hand and targets and tactics on the other; 6. explain why the media plays a crucial role in terrorism and counterterrorism; 7. discuss the motives behind counterterrorism and the role of bureaucracy; 8. evaluate policy options aimed at popular and state support in light of acceptability and effectiveness; 9. evaluate policy options aimed at terrorist groups in light of acceptability and effectiveness; 10. defend and critique America's homeland security policies and its international conduct as they relate to terrorism's causes and antidotes. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Social Sciences CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - D Social Sciences CSUGE - D8 Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 4 Soc./Behav Sciences IGETC - 4H Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Instructor will elicit student summaries and interpretations of news articles provided at the end of the prior class session related to counterterrorism tactics. Graded on effective application of relevant concepts. Essay Examinations Example: A written midterm assessing learning of definition, organization and tactics of terrorism consisting of IDs, short answer, paragraphs and essays. Example: summarize the need for a definition of terrorism. Graded on basis of rubric outline rationale and components of a definition. Objective Examinations Example: Instructor will administer quizzes on the reading material to ensure that students are learning key terms and major concepts. Example: The Palmers characterize the Muslim Brotherhood as: a) terrorists; b) friendly with Iran; c) potential partners; or, d) apostates. Correct responses indicate student learning on US policy options. Reports Example: Instructor will ask the student to find 4-7 websites with information on a particular terrorist group. Student will print them off, read them, write a one-page summary of the information found, turn it all in as one project. Graded on basis of meeting the definition and effective application of other key concepts. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor will organize a simulation of crisis decision making in reaction to a terrorist incident and guide students through its stages. Students will then write an essay reflecting on insights into counterterrorism. Distance Learning Instructor will provide students with text and audio-visual learning materials (e.g. videos, PowerPoint, lecture notes) supported by textbook chapters on civil liberties. Students will need to use this material to effectively participate in discussions that the instructor will monitor to provide clarification and correction when needed. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter on the media (20 pp) at home and discuss two recent news articles on terrorist attacks or the war on terrorism in class. 2. Read one of two recent articles from Foreign Affairs on America's war with terrorism and write a one-page review. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Give students a take-home essay question on the evolution of terrorism in reaction to a video shown in class. 2. Write one-page essays reacting to in-class simulations that identify the key problems with addressing terrorist incidents. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century Author: Cindy Combs Publisher: Prentice Hall Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 8th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Terrorism freedom and Security Author: Philip Heymann Publisher: BCSIA Publication Date: 2004 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues Author: Gus Martin Publisher: Sage Publication Date: 2020 Text Edition: 7th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Terrorism and Counterterrorism Author: Brigitte Nacos Publisher: Pearson Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Terrorism and Homeland Security Author: Jonathan White Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 9th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0215L POLS 110 POLS 0001 POLS 120 POLS...170 COMM 0012 JOUR 170 AAD 0012 KIN...
