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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PL 334"
COURSE NAME: "Terrorism and Counterterrorism"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2020
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Lyal Sunga
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 11:30-12:50 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: PL 209 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide the student with an understanding and basic foundation to: explain and compare the varying definitions of terrorism; distinguish the different types of terrorist motivations including left-wing, right-wing, ethnonationalist, separatists, and religious; differentiate terrorism from other forms of violence including political violence, guerilla warfare, insurgency, civil war, unconventional warfare, and crime; understand and describe the historical foundations of terrorism and apply them to modern terrorist events and methods being used to combat them.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course explores the impact of
terrorism and ambiguities in defining it. The course then underlines the
connection between terrorism and armed conflict, while distinguishing between
the two. Next are canvassed strategies of terror, organization and arms, how
terror is used for political motives, the phenomenon of women terrorists, and
the ‘terrorist or freedom fighter?’ conundrum. The course traces the internationalization
of terrorism, the role of State-sponsored terrorism, and the character of both reactionary
terror in support of a regime, and revolutionary terror to effect forcible regime
overthrow. The course then explores the themes of nationalism and religious
ideology in terror campaigns. Assassinations, the role of mass media, and the
use of disinformation and propaganda campaigns then assist contextualization of
how terrorist acts are used and excused. The final phase of the course delves
into counter-insurgency warfare, counter-terrorism strategies, the role of
media and social media, State surveillance of communications and human rights
in counter-terrorism measures.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Solid introductory level
knowledge of the key issues surrounding the dimensions, definition and
characterization of terrorism and terrorist acts
- Appreciation of the multi-faceted
uses, strategies and organization of terrorist perpetrators
- Enhanced capacity to critically
analyze terrorism and counter-terrorism issues
- Understanding of the political,
economic, social and ideological contexts of terrorism
- Development of analytical and argumentation skills
on current terrorism and counter-terrorism issues
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Terrorism: A Very Short Introduction | Charles Townshend | Oxford | 9780198809098 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Midterm exam | 75-minute exam comprising several essay questiions | 20% |
| Class participation | Coming to class prepared and contributing thoughtfully to class discussion | 5% |
| Research Outline | Timely Submission of Topic, Outline and Concept of the Research Paper | 10% |
| Research Paper | 10 to 12-page paper on a terrorism / counter-terrorism issue (approved by the instructor by e-mail) | 30% |
| Final Examination | Final Examination 2½ hour comprehensive exam with essay questions | 35% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
This course explores the impact of
terrorism and ambiguities in defining it. The course then underlines the
connection between terrorism and armed conflict, while distinguishing between
the two. Next are canvassed strategies of terror, organization and arms, how
terror is used for political motives, the phenomenon of women terrorists, and
the ‘terrorist or freedom fighter?’ conundrum. The course traces the internationalization
of terrorism, the role of State-sponsored terrorism, and the character of both reactionary
terror in support of a regime, and revolutionary terror to effect forcible regime
overthrow. The course then explores the themes of nationalism and religious
ideology in terror campaigns. Assassinations, the role of mass media, and the
use of disinformation and propaganda campaigns then assist contextualization of
how terrorist acts are used and excused. The final phase of the course delves
into counter-insurgency warfare, counter-terrorism strategies, the role of
media and social media, State surveillance of communications and human rights
in counter-terrorism measures.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Week
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Class Topic
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1
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What is terrorism?
Dimensions and definitions
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2
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Terrorism
and war: interrelationship and differences
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3
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Strategies
of terror / organization and arms
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4
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Terror and
politics
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5
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Women
and terrorism
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6
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Terrorists or freedom fighters?
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7
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Internationalization of terrorism
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8
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State-sponsored terrorism
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9
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Reactionary
terror: French Revolution, Italian Fascism, Hitlerism, Latin American regimes,
Algeria
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10
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Revolutionary
terror: Russia, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Cuba, Latin America, Belgium,
France, Vietnam, Palestine, etc
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11
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Nationalism
and terror
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12
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Religious terror
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13
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Assassinations / role of mass media /
disinformation
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14
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Counter-terrorism and human rights /
State surveillance of communications
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15
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Review
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