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HDM 244 Introduction to Terrorism

This course will examine 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 as well as 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

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 will examine 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 as well as the impact of terrorism on many levels from the individual to national level.

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.

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. Construct 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. Debate the similarities and differences of each definition.
    3. Define the problems associated with defining terrorism.
  2. Compare and contrast the various forms of terrorism including individual, religious, ideological, and state-sponsored terrorism.
    1. Define different types of terrorism.
    2. Identify the varying types 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. Chart the connection between culture and terrorism.
    2. Discuss the role of the socialization process in the development of terrorism.
    3. Define cultural factors from the perspective of partisan perceptions.
  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. Debate the usefulness and limitations of the research as applied to terrorism.
  5. Construct primary psychological and sociological theories related to the perpetration of mass violence and terrorism.
    1. Dissect the research on topics such as obedience, conformity, diffusion of responsibility, and the bystander effect.
    2. Discuss the question of what motivates 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. Identify the interdependence of terrorist groups and media outlets.
    2. Debate 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.

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

  1. Articulate the roles and responsibilities of key criminal justice and homeland security agencies and organizations.
  2. Demonstrate "all-hazards" planning, mitigation, response and recovery.
  3. Apply mitigation and crisis intervention strategies used by integrated disaster response teams to diverse citizen populations.
  4. Articulate the psychology and history of domestic and international terrorism.

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 all distance education type courses.

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