Counterterrorism
IS
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Course Dates/Times: 9 May – 26 June 2016
(no discussions or assignments due from 12-19 May)
Weekly CTC Blackboard discussions and assignments
Instructor: Mr. Jeff Arter
Weekly Skype Office Hours:1730-1830, Tues, Weds
Skype Name: Jeffrey.arter
Instructor Email:
Phone: 334-213-5361
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
My name is Jeff Arter. I spent twenty years in the Air Force as a Security Forces NCO, joining as a Law Enforcement Specialist. I went from installation entry controller, patrol, flight armorer, element leader, assistant flight sergeant to flight sergeant. I have experience in all aspects of law enforcement and investigated all manner of misdemeanor and felony cases from domestic disturbances, child abduction, rape, murder, drug cases, arson, larceny, to traffic accident investigation. I performed duties as a Security NCO in the NATO AFSOUTH Intelligence Division, Counterintelligence and Security Branch. I am married and have three grown children.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. The goal of this course is to provide students with a broad understanding of the basic structure, roles and missions of the counterterrorism community. The course will focus on domestic terrorist groups from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and North America. It offers critical evaluation of the counterterrorism measures implemented in response to these terrorist groups. The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to compare terrorist groups’, assesses the factors that are conducive to certain groups’ sustainability and those that led to other groups “demise”. Measures that were successful and not successful to counter terrorists’ organizations will also be evaluated.
B. This course is a required course in the Homeland Security—Emergency Management Associate of Applied Science Degree.
C. This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.
D. Prerequisite(s): None
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, Counterterrorism, the student will:
A. Acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of counterterrorism.
B. Discuss and analyze the motivation of terrorism.
C. Describe and analyze the recurring issues pertaining to geopolitics and counterterrorism as they relate to religion, domestic, and international structures.
D. Describe and analyze the basic elements of power and counterterrorism by examining the challenges associated with limiting power.
E. Acquire a basic knowledge base of the rules of engagement that counterterrorism units deal with.
F. Compare and contrast the separations of powers between judiciary forums, the public, and the media.
G. Acquire an in depth knowledge of the principles and issues associated with the interrogation of terrorism suspects.
H. Explain the evolution of state-sponsored terrorism and methods of dealing with state-sponsored terrorism.
I. Define and analyze the media’s role in counterterrorism operations by exploring how terrorists use the media to their advantage.
J. Describe and analyze the issues associated with framing a homeland security program that will deal with all forms of terrorism.
K. Understand and identify the issues that governments must deal with in response to a terrorist attack by exploring the ramifications associated with every decision.
III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through
http://www.ctcd.edu/academics/booksinstructional-materials/
Required Student Textbook:
Maras, M. (2013). Counterterrorism. (1st ed.) Burlington:
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
ISBN: 978-1-4496-4860-2
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B. You should attend online class regularly on Central Texas College (CTC) Blackboard. Online attendance involves logging into your Blackboard class and participating in discussions, submitting assignments, etc. Be prepared to also take any unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current CTC Course Catalog.
C. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crash-cram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or projects will be considered in grade computation.
D. From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E. You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F. Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G. Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
Students guilty of scholastic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of “F” and be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion.
H. Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
V. COURSE FORMAT – WeBB STUDY ON BLACKBOARD
This course has been developed on Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to CTC Blackboard and that they are familiar with the contents and assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard at least once a week to ‘attend’ the online class and to participate in the online Blackboard discussions and assignments. Failure to do so will violate the attendance policy and will have a negative impact on the course grade.
The course will meet for six weeks. In addition, instructional strategies will include weekly CTC Blackboard assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the remaining instruction per week.
VI. EXAMINATIONS
A. There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as follows:
a. Mid-term exam on 5 June 2016
b. Final exam on 26 June 2016
c. Term Paper due on 19 June 2016
B. A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C. Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D. Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-the-blank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
E. Exams will be administered via BioSig application. See Blackboard class for registration information.
VII. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
Assignments 80 points
Discussion Boards (mandatory) 80 points
Quizzes 40 points
Term Paper 100 points
Mid-term Exam 100 points
Final Exam 100 points
Total possible points: 500 points
POINTS GRADES
450-500 A=4 pts/sem hr
400-449 B=3 pts/sem hr
350-399 C=2 pts/sem hr
300-349 D=1 pt/sem hr
0-299 F=0 pts/sem hr
A term paper is required from all students.
VIII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR
A. Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details.
B. GoArmyEd students should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student
Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or
institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.
C. Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student Services Officer for that region.
Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75% of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Non-attendance.”
D. Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade.
E. Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.
G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
IX. COURSE OUTLINE
Note:
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.
Assignments and interaction are via CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to internet so that they may communicate, via CTC Blackboard, with the instructor. The class is broken down into six sessions. This is not a self-paced class. Please take note of the deadlines.
SESSION 1 – 9-22 May 2016. Intro and Lesson One (Chapters 1, 2, and 3)
a) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Saturday midnight (European time)
b) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Lesson One
Learning Objectives
When you successfully complete this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Identify how terrorism is defined.
2. Explain why nationalists-separatists and religious terrorists engage in terrorism.
3. Describe what motivates left-wing, right-wing, and special interest terrorists.
4. Identify the differences between a terrorist and a guerrilla.
5. Explain why individuals engage in terrorist activities.
6. Identify if there is a basic terrorist profile.
7. Discuss the rationale behind terrorism.
8. Describe the terrorism and mental disorders that are commonly found.
9. Identify the strategic goals that terrorists pursue.
10. Explain how a community sustains a terrorist group.
11. Discuss the difficulties for a terrorist to train since 9/11.
12. Explain new methods that terrorists are using to fund operations since 9/11.
13. Identify a terrorist group that is no longer in existence.
Learning Activities
Read the assigned chapter(s) in the textbook.
o Chapter 1
o Chapter 2
o Chapter 3
Review the PowerPoint slideshow: Chapters 1, 2, 3
Use the textbook resources to reinforce your learning including the Chapter Summaries and Review Questions at the end of the chapters.
SESSION 2 – 23-29 May 2016. Lesson Two (Chapters 4, 5, and 6)
a) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Saturday midnight (European time)
b) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
c) Quiz 1 to be completed in Blackboard by Sunday midnight (European time)
Lesson Two
When you successfully complete this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Define risk.
2. Explain how terrorists determine risk.
3. Discuss how the government affects the public’s perception of risk.
4. Discuss how the media affects the public’s perception of risk.
5. Explain the role of uncertainty in counterterrorism.
6. Describe the relevance of the precautionary principle in counterterrorism.
7. Discuss the justification of the Afghanistan war.
8. Identify if deterrence was lost after 9/11.
9. Explain the consequences of calling the current effort to combat terrorism a war.
10. Explain when a country can declare a state of emergency.