Global
Terrorism POLS 386
Fall 2007
Class
Time: MW, 3:30-4:45, DuSable 461
Instructor: Theresa Eckard
Office address: Zulauf 402
Phone:
847-977-1809
Office hours: Tuesday
and Thursday, 12:00-2:00 PM and by appointment.
E-Mail:
teckard1@niu.edu
(Expect
an e-mail response within 1 working day.)
Course
description: Terrorism is at
least as old as recorded history and likely much older. While the essential
nature of terrorism and its basic objectives have not change for millennia, the
effectiveness of terrorism and the frequency of its use have both increased
dramatically. Part of the explanation for this is that terrorism is
increasingly easy to carry out. Put more
bluntly, never before in history could so many victims be killed at the hand of
so few as is seen today. With the
development of new and increasingly devastating weapons of mass destruction,
terrorists have gained a greater ability for wide spread destruction. At the
same time, the modern world is more vulnerable to attack due to its increased
dependence on technology and common infrastructures. We obtain our energy,
water, and food from common sources, all of which are vulnerable to
attack. In addition, we live, work, and
travel in greater concentrations, which allows for a greater number of people
to be attacked simultaneously. Finally,
the basic objective of terrorism is to spread fear and this is greatly enhanced
by the modern media, which terrorists see as an effective political tool
because it provides immediate, dramatic, wide-spread, and extensive coverage of
their terrorist incidences.
Thus, while the
One objective of this course is to
provide the information necessary for students to develop their own answers to
some basic questions about terrorism. What is terrorism? Why is terrorism
increasing? What causes terrorism? What can be done to diminish the incidences
and destructiveness of terrorism? While there are no obvious or even consensual
answers to these questions, varied answers to each of these questions will be
presented and discussed.
Because both terrorism and the war on
terrorism are evolving, students will be required to stay current with recent
developments in global terrorism by reading stories linked to Yahoos News
Category, “Terrorism
& 9/11”.
A second objective of this course is
to help students develop their abilities to think and argue logically both
orally and in writing. The course will thus provide students numerous
opportunities to logically consider the issues surrounding terrorism and to
present their views. Toward this end, the course employs highly participatory
teaching methods including discussions of current events related to terrorism
and case study discussions.
Copies of the texts
are available for purchase at the University and Village Common bookstores. In addition, both texts are available at the
Reserve Desk of the Library. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase
the main text.
2.
Case Studies: Students are
required to read each of the assigned cases “prior to” the day that each case
is scheduled to be discussed in the Class Schedule. Two copies of every case
will be available at the Reserve Desk of the Library. In addition, if possible, I will post the
case study to Blackboard.
3.
Weekly Terrorism News Discussions: Students are required to read a couple of news stories on terror each
week from the Yahoo News category “Terrorism
& 9/11”. The address is: http://news.yahoo.com/fc/us/terrorism
. Discussions of current events relating
to terrorism will be held during the first 15-30 minutes of class every
Wednesday. Students are expected to have read some stories related to terrorism
each week and should come to Wednesday’s class ready to summarize and comment
on them. Questions from all news about terrorism discussed in class may appear
on quizzes and examination.
Writing
Assignments: 1. Journal Submissions: Each student is required to keep a journal of
news stories related to terrorism. To maintain the journal each student
must write one entry each week which is due at the beginning of class every
Wednesday. Each journal should be in reference to a major article linked
to the Yahoo News Pages “Terrorism
& 9/11”. Each journal should be one
whole page in length (typed, double spaced with font #12). The
content of the journal should include a very brief summary of the issue(s)
presented, but more importantly, the journal should also provide the
student’s commentary on and analysis of the article’s main thesis.
You may write multiple journal entries on the same terrorist organization or
issue to ease the difficulty of choosing and writing your case study paper (see
below). However, please do not make entries on essentially the same story,
printed in multiple papers.
Journals must be submitted every
Wednesday during the semester. The total number of articles that need to
be summarized is 12. Please be sure to indicate on your journal the
title, author, date, source for each article, and the web link for the
article. Stapled to your journal should
also be a print out of the article discussed for my reference. More
guidance on writing the journal and grading standards will be given the first
week of class.
2.
Case Study Paper: On Wednesday, November 28th, each student
will submit a case study paper. The case study paper must be written from
the perspective of a particular international actor concerned with terrorism
and it must deal with a specific problem of terrorism. A good case study paper
will include the following elements: 1. a clear identification of the
international actor 2.
a brief summary of the specific problems presented posed by a specific
terrorist organization or type of terrorism; 3.
a ranking of the objectives of the international actor for dealing with that
specific problem; 4. at
least two alternative strategies for dealing with the problem; 5.
some consideration should be given to the methods discussed in class; 6.
a realistic assessment of the pros and cons of each strategy presented; and 7. your conclusion as to
which strategy is most likely to achieve the objectives listed and why.
While there are
hundreds of possible case study topics, illustrative examples include:
The paper will be 5-7
pages in length. No more, no less. Citations
must appear within the paper either as footnotes, endnotes, or in-text
parenthetical citations. In addition to
the citations, a bibliography is
required. Although primary consideration in evaluating the paper will be
placed on content and the logic of the arguments, presentation (including
spelling, grammar, and correct word use) will also be considered.
In order to help
ensure the paper is completed on time, students will adhere to the time line below
for submitting components of the paper. More guidance on the case study paper will
be given in the coming weeks, but be aware that you can not pass this class if you do not submit a case study paper.
In addition to general office hours, there will
be appointment sign-up sheets for those interested students who would like to personally
discuss paper topics.
Monday, October 8, 2007- Submit Paper Topic
Monday, October 15, 2007- Submit Bibliography- At least 5 credible sources written in a
proper format.
Monday, November 5, 2007- Submit Outline
Wednesday, November 28, 2007- Paper Due
Written assignments
are due at the beginning of class on the assigned day. Late assignments
will be downgraded 1/3 letter grade for each day that they are late. (An
assignment submitted after class will be considered one day late). Thus,
an "A" assignment becomes and "A-" after one day and a
"B+" after two days. Exceptions to this rule will be considered only
in the most extraordinary circumstances and all late papers will receive some
deduction. Thus, students with sick relatives, paper eating canines, low-life
typists, frequent auto accidents, or ill tempered computers--as well as those
students who are routinely taken hostage aboard alien spaceships--are strongly
encouraged to compensate for any potential mishaps by preparing their written
assignments in advance of the submission deadlines. Assignments may be e-mailed to establish a
submission date. However, a printed
version, identical to the e-mailed version, must be received within a week.
Undergraduate Writing
Awards: The Department of
Political Science will recognize, on an annual basis, outstanding undergraduate
papers written in conjunction with 300-400 level political science courses or
directed studies. Authors do not have to be political science majors or have a
particular class standing. Winners are expected to attend the Department's
spring graduation ceremony where they will receive a certificate and $50.
Papers, which can be submitted by students or faculty, must be supplied in
triplicate to a department secretary by February 28. All copies should have two
cover pages--one with the student's name and one without the student's name.
Only papers written in the previous calendar year can be considered for the
award. However, papers completed in the current spring semester are eligible
for the following year's competition even if the student has graduated.
Participation: Participation
is an important part of this course, and as such is required of all students.
The participation grade will comprise 20% of the final grade and is designed to
assess both the quantity and quality of each student's participation in this
collective learning experience. Participation grades will include: 5%- Attendance- Attendance will be
taken every class session. Students may have 4 absences from class with no
penalty. You may use these absences in anyway you wish, but use them wisely in
case some minor emergency/sickness/appointment arises that forces you to miss
class. For example, if you miss four
classes and then miss an additional two due to illness, you have six
absences. I do not differentiate between
excused or unexcused absences except in extraordinary circumstances. This is why I stress that you use your
absences wisely. You do not need to
notify me in advance of your absence unless you will be missing a test or
final, or you will be absent for a considerable period of time due to an
emergency. If you are an NIU athlete and
you will be missing more than four class sessions, you must submit your sport
schedule to me in advance. Furthermore,
you will be expected to attend all other class sessions during the semester. 5%- Class participation- This includes
active participation in the Wednesday news discussions and general participation
during the class session. 5%- Case Study Days- Students who miss
more than two cases-for whatever reason-will have a deduction taken from their
participation grade. In addition, in
order to receive the full 5% for this component, students must actively
participate in the group work on the case study day. 5%- Blackboard Postings- A message
group will be formed on our Blackboard course (http://webcourses.niu.edu/) which is
intended to promote or continue discussions outside the classroom. The instructor will present some topics and
questions and students are encouraged to respond and even promote their own
discussions throughout the semester. In order to receive the full 5% for this
component, students must post “at least” five substantive messages to the class
discussion group.
Students with Disabilities: NIU abides by Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding provision of reasonable accommodations for
students with documented disabilities. Moreover, your academic success is of
importance to me. If you have a disability that may have a negative impact on
your performance in this course and you may require some type of instructional
and/or examination accommodation, please contact me early in the semester so
that I can provide or facilitate in providing accommodations you may need. If you have not already done so, you will
need to register with the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR), the
designated office on campus to provide services and administer exams with
accommodations for students with disabilities. CAAR is located on the 4th floor
of the University Health Services building (753-1303). I look forward to
talking with you to learn how I may be helpful in enhancing your academic
success in this course.
Plagiarism Statement: According to the NIU Undergraduate Catalog “Students
are guilty of plagiarism, intentional or not, if they copy material from books,
magazines, or other sources without identifying and acknowledging them.
Students guilty of, or assisting others in, either cheating or plagiarism on an
assignment, quiz, or examination may receive a grade of F for the course
involved and may be suspended or dismissed from the university.” In short, all
ideas that are not your own or well known must be cited. A general rule is that
if the information cannot be found in three or more commonly available sources
it should be cited. All direct quotes must be placed in quotation marks with a
citation. These guidelines will be enforced. If you are unsure as to what
should be cited either play it safe and place an in-text footnote, endnote, or
parenthetical citation, or ask for assistance.
Examinations: There will be two examinations, a mid-term
and a final. Each examination will be worth 15% of the semester grade. The
mid-term examination will be held on Wednesday, October 10 and will include all
course materials and readings covered to that date. The final examination will
be held on Monday, December 10 from 4-5:50.
Each examination will contain 50 multiple choice questions (each is worth
2 points).
Quiz
Grade: During the
semester at least eight quizzes will be administered. Quizzes will not be announced ahead of
time. Quizzes will cover material in the
assigned readings or material presented in the previous class sessions. There are no “make-up” quizzes. The only way to make-up any quiz points
missed is to take advantage of extra credit opportunities (see below). Please be aware that extra credit points
will only be applied to the quiz grade and not to any other
component of the class grade. Also,
no more than 100% can be earned on the quiz grade. If the student has earned more than the
maximum allowable quiz points by doing extra credit, those extra points will not
be applied to any other part of the class grade, the excess extra credit points
are simply not counted.
Extra
Credit: Extra
credit points will be available for selected films, movie nights and talks on
campus. Extra credit opportunities are
worth 3 points each. Usually, the way in
which to earn extra credit points is to attend movie nights, watch selected
films at home or in-class and write a one page reaction paper, or attend a
selected talk or event on campus that deals with a terrorism issue. If you know of a relevant activity, please
notify me at least one week in advance for consideration.
Grading: The
final grade will be derived from:
Final but
Important Notes and Expectations
1. Respect in the classroom- The
topic of terrorism is by nature controversial in that it deals with
controversial topics such as, politics, religion, and money. If we are to understand terrorism in all its
complexities, we must create a learning space that is conducive for exploring these
controversial topics. The purpose for
exploring all sides of an issue is to understand the opposing arguments in
order for the student to make a fully informed opinion or decision about the
issue at hand. In order to facilitate
this safe, open classroom environment, we must maintain a respectful atmosphere
at all times. Therefore, there is
absolutely no name calling, cursing, personal attacks, or demeaning speech against
another student allowed at any time, including in the Blackboard postings. We must ensure that everyone in the class
room communicates and debates with one another respectfully at all times. Lastly, controversial conversations that
occur during class time should not be carried over into the hallway after class
in order to provoke or continue an unhealthy debate.
2.
Multi-media teaching style- Our
class has access to Smart equipment in which we can access the internet, use
the projector, watch DVDs, VHS, etc.
Therefore, the format of this course is designed to utilize most, if not
all, of the technology available to us in the classroom. Not only does this expand the instructor’s
resources for presenting material, it accommodates the various learning styles
of the students in the class. Often
times, the purpose for showing documentary films or news clips on terrorism
topics is to provide the visual reality of the complexity of an issue that can
not be achieved by class lecture or discussion alone. I ask that you remain
open-minded when these films are shown.
Some are informative, some are dramatic and emotional, but all are very
educational. Please be advised that these films deal with
terrorism which by nature includes violence.
Therefore some of the films contain brief footage that is graphic and
you may find it disturbing. In these
instances you will be notified in advance of class as well as before the film
begins. For this reason, you will not be
required to watch any film that may make you uncomfortable. If this is the case, come see me privately and we will try to find
another way for you to earn extra credit points that would also be fair and
available to the rest of the students.
3. 10- Minute Rule- If
on the very rare occasion the instructor is late, please see if a class
cancellation notice has been posted. If
not, wait 10 minutes for the instructor’s arrival. If it is longer than 10 minutes, you are free
to leave and class will be considered cancelled.
4. Cell phones- Please have them silenced during
class. In the rare case you are
expecting an important call, please sit near the exit in order to excuse
yourself with minimum disruption to the class session. If you must text message for an important
reason, please be quick and discreet.
Your cooperation in not abusing this policy is vital to the maintenance
of a non-disruptive learning environment.
5. Email- If you
are absent, you may email me your assignment to establish a submission date,
but do so at your own risk. I can not be
responsible for emails that do not reach my in-box. In addition, if you want the assignment
graded you must submit a hard copy to me within one week.
6. Submit work that
is properly proofread and organized. Nthing is mre frustating then reciving
worke tht is not property prof red & havin too tri and decifer hwat u r
tryin to sayy. It not only wastes my
time grading the assignment but should not occur in a 300-level class. If you are crunched for time on an assignment
that is due, submit the work after class when you have more time to look it
over. It is much better to accept a slight
deduction for lateness, than to receive a low grade for poor writing (which you
will receive). Furthermore, with poor
writing your arguments are severely weakened.
If you genuinely need help with writing, please come see me and I can
refer you to the
7. Do not miss class because you have not completed an assignment
that is due or you have failed to complete the assigned readings. Do not be too embarrassed to come to class,
you can still participate in class and learn, plus receive credit for attending
as well as earn potential quiz points. I
prefer you come to class and only take a slight deduction for a late assignment
rather than not attend at all. Of
course, do not make a habit of being unprepared for class.
8. In
general, assignments will be graded on how well the student meets or exceeds
the basic minimum requirements.
More specific guidance on the grading of particular assignments will be
explained later. However, in general,
these are my benchmarks for grading:
F-work: Failing to turn in an assignment at all,
submitting work that is plagiarized, or submitting work that can not be
understood or has nothing to do with the assignment.
D-work is when the student simply does not meet the
very basic minimum requirements of the assignment by failing to consider the
objectives of the assignment as identified by the instructor. In addition, a
student may receive a D if there are significant proofreading errors in the
paper which makes it very difficult to read and understand.
C-work is when the student simply meets the very
basic minimum requirements of the assignment.
In addition, a student may receive a C if there are major proofreading
errors which weaken the credibility of the arguments presented.
B-work is when the student achieves the minimum
requirements but also offers more well-rounded arguments and presents some
cited facts or ideas to support those arguments. The work may include some
proofreading errors, but the errors do not significantly interfere with the
arguments presented.
A-work
is when the student goes above and beyond
the minimum requirements and offers a clear, well-rounded, thoughtful, organized
paper, journal, or blackboard posting.
The arguments presented are highly developed and supported effectively
by cited facts. In addition, there are
minimal proofreading errors which allows the instructor to read the assignment
with clarity and ease.
9. Finally, don’t be the “weasel”. This is the student that purposely undermines
or finds every loophole to exploit class policies so that s/he can avoid taking
responsibility or accountability for his or her poor class work, attendance,
and efforts. If all you want is a C in
this class to graduate, that is fine, but do so at your own risk. Do not do D or F work and expect a mercy
grade of a C. Most will find this class
extremely rewarding, engaging, and enlightening. With this positive mentality, the work will
be enjoyable and appropriate. However,
in the end, grades must be earned.
*The instructor will personally grade all examinations, essays, quizzes,
journal submissions, blackboard discussions.
All appeals of these grades should go directly to the instructor.
*The instructor also reserves the right to make any changes to the
syllabus as she deems appropriate for the course. Timely notification will be given to the
students.
COURSE OUTLINE
|
Date: |
Assignments |
|
M Aug
27 W Aug
29 |
I. Introduction &
Distribution of Syllabus a.
Defining Terrorism (White 2-7; b.
A Brief History of Terrorism (White 17-29) |
|
M
Sept 3 W
Sept 5 |
No Class c.
Modern Terrorism, tactics and behavior, structure (White 9-16, 30-47; |
|
M Sept
10 W Sept
12 |
II. The Causes of Terrorism CASE
#1: The Achille Lauro Hijacking: Part A (KSG
C16-88-863.0) a.
Psychological ( c.
Environmental (social, economic & political) |
|
M
Sept 17 W
Sept 19 |
c.
Ideological (White
CASE
#2: Seeking the Extradition of Mohammed Rashid (KSG
C16-90-982.0) |
|
M Sept
24 W Sept
26 |
III. Tools of the New Terrorism a.
Conventional Attacks c.
Cyberterrorism (White 82-86) d.
Suicide Terrorism (White 86-90, In
class movie “Suicide Killers” |
|
M
Oct 1 W
Oct 3 |
d.
Nuclear Terrorism e.
Chemical & Biological Weapons (White 90-96) f.
Fundraising (White g.
State Sponsorship & Organized Crime h.
The media (White Ch. 18) |
|
M Oct
8 W Oct
10 |
Review for Mid-Term
Examination Mid-term Examination |
|
M
Oct 15 W
Oct 17 |
IV. Terrorism around the World The
Western
Europe (White 182-184; |
|
M Oct
22 W Oct
24 |
Al-Qaeda
(White Ch 7, |
|
M
Oct 29 W
Oct 31 |
Hezbollah
(White 128-141) PLO
and Hamas (White |
|
M
Nov 5 W
Nov 7 |
Jemaah
Islamiyah (White 189-193, 121-126; Sendero
Luminoso (The Shining Path) |
|
M Nov
12 W Nov
14 |
V. Responses to Terrorism and the War on Terror 1.
Fighting Back: Conventional War on Terrorism Case
#3: American Military Retaliation for Terrorism: Judging the Merits
of the 1998 Cruise Missile Strike in 2.
Homeland Defense (White |
|
M
Nov 19 W
Nov 21 |
Case
#4: White Powders in No Class |
|
M
Nov 26 W
Nov 28 |
3.
Changes to Domestic Law & Protecting Civil Liberties (White Case
#5: Tiltulim: Interrogation by Shaking in |
|
M Dec
3 W Dec
5 |
4.
International Cooperation Case
#6: American Extraordinary Rendition: The Case of Abu Omar 5.
Negotiating & Addressing Causes ( Case
#7: Negotiating with Terrorists: TWA Flight 847 (ISD
333) |
|
M
Dec 10 |
Final Exam DuSable 461 from
4-5:50pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* All Cases must be read prior to their
discussion in class. Cases are underlined in the outline.
** Some adjusting of the
schedule will no doubt be necessary. However, dates for the examinations,
journal submissions, and case study will not be changed.
LINKS to Relevant Sites:
Web Site: Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to
consult the Department of Political Science web site on a regular basis. This
up-to-date, central source of information will assist students in contacting
faculty and staff, reviewing course requirements and syllabi, exploring
graduate study, researching career options, tracking department event, and
accessing important details related to undergraduate programs and activities.
To reach the site, go to http://www.niu.edu/acad/polisci/pols/html.
The syllabus for this course, and all recommended links, can also be found on
the department web site.
General News Sources:
BBC World News
Christian Science Monitor
CNN Breaking News
The
Times (London)
New York Times
Washington Post
Terrorism News Sources:
Terrorism Research Center
General Links on
Terrorism
US State Department's Office of
Counterterrorism
US Department of
Defense on Countering Terrorism
EERI Counterterrorism Home Page
& Links
Others Links:
The Kennedy School of
Government Case Program
Electronic Citation Style
Manuals
Evaluating Internet
Sources
Bartlett's Quotations