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HDM 244 Introduction to Terrorism

This course examines the roots and impact of terrorism. Topics include an examination of the various types of terrorism such as religious, state-sponsored, and individual acts of terrorism. This course also explores the impact of terrorism on many levels from the individual to national level.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: ENG 101 and PSY 121 and SOC 111

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

HDM 244 Introduction to Terrorism

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: ENG 101 and PSY 121 and SOC 111

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course examines the roots and impact of terrorism. Topics include an examination of the various types of terrorism such as religious, state-sponsored, and individual acts of terrorism. This course also explores the impact of terrorism on many levels from the individual to national level.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine the concept of terrorism. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)

  2. Compare and contrast the various forms of terrorism, including individual, religious, ideological, and state-sponsored terrorism. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3, 4)

  3. Evaluate the various cultural factors that may play a role in the promotion of terrorism, including poverty, desperation, fanaticism, political influence, globalization, economic development, greed, and war. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 3, 4)

  4. Analyze the underlying group factors behind terrorism, such as intergroup polarization, within-group glorification, moral exclusion, the power of the situation, nationalism, and partisan perceptions. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 3, 4)

  5. Analyze primary psychological and sociological theories related to the perpetration of mass violence and terrorism. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 3, 4)

  6. Evaluate the multifaceted role of the media and its effects on victims of terrorist attacks, groups that promote terrorism, bystanders to terrorism, and the elite from all sides. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 5)

  7. Analyze the psychological impact of terrorism on individuals, groups, and cultures. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Examine the concept of terrorism.
    1. Distinguish among different definitions of terrorism.
    2. Compare and contrast each definition.
    3. Identify the problems associated with defining terrorism.
  2. Compare and contrast the characteristics of individual, religious, ideological, and state-sponsored terrorism.
    1. Define individual, religious, ideological, and state-sponsored terrorism.
    2. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of each form of terrorism.
    3. Compare and contrast the goals, motivations, and tactics associated with different forms of terrorism.
  3. Evaluate the various cultural factors that may play a role in the promotion of terrorism, including poverty, desperation, fanaticism, political influence, globalization, economic development, greed, and war.
    1. Examine the connection between culture and terrorism.
    2. Analyze the role of the socialization process in the development of terrorism.
    3. Evaluate how cultural factors are interpreted differently based on partisan or ideological perspectives.
  4. Analyze the underlying group factors behind terrorism, such as intergroup polarization, within-group glorification, moral exclusion, the power of the situation, nationalism, and partisan perceptions.
    1. Examine the interaction of group factors that play a potential causative role in both domestic and international terrorism.
    2. Examine the usefulness and limitations of the research as applied to terrorism.
  5. Analyze primary psychological and sociological theories related to the perpetration of mass violence and terrorism.
    1. Discuss the research on topics such as obedience, conformity, diffusion of responsibility, and the bystander effect.
    2. Discuss the motivation of an individual terrorist to commit an act of terrorism.
  6. Evaluate the multifaceted role of the media and its effects on victims of terrorist attacks, groups that promote terrorism, bystanders to terrorism, and the elite from all sides.
    1. Explain the interdependence of terrorist groups and media outlets.
    2. Analyze the impact of that relationship on victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and the decision-making elite.
  7. Analyze the psychological impact of terrorism on individuals, groups, and cultures.
    1. Examine the research related to the psychological impact of terrorism.
    2. Discuss the various treatment approaches for victims of different forms of terrorism.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average


Evaluation Measure

Grade

Summative Assessments

Exams (3) (equally weighted)

40%

Case Scenario and Presentation

10%

Observation Practices

10%

Formative Assessments

The course will contain various formative assessments, including but not limited to:

  • Quizzes

  • Assignments

  • Career research

  • Journals

  • Discussion boards

40%

Total

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
  2. Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
  3. Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
  4. Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
  5. Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/current/catalog/academics/attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal