Global and Domestic Terrorism - 12 week online short course from Dalhousie University
Ian Messenger
Global and Domestic Terrorism is a 12 week online short course from Dalhousie University.
Overview
Since the shocking terrorist attack of 9/11 and subsequent terrorism plots and attacks in numerous countries, terrorism has become the world’s greatest security threat. As countries like Canada try to respond appropriately and effectively, it has become increasingly important to better “understand” the distinctive nature and causes of modern terrorism and the special challenges it poses to the security of societies like ours.
The course draws on the latest terrorism thinking and research from a variety of academic and other sources to develop a broad understanding of terrorism as a complex social phenomenon and a challenging domestic and global security problem.
This course is open to anyone who has an interest in the subject of Terrorism.
Key Learnings
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
describe the distinctive nature of terrorism, distinguishing it from other forms of violence.
demonstrate an understanding of the historical evolution of terrorism, with an emphasis on modern and post-modern terrorism.
identify terrorism typologies and types, with an emphasis on modern religious, political, and domestic forms of terrorism.
articulate theories and supporting research on various social and psychological factors and processes involved in explaining terrorism and terrorist radicalization.
comprehend the exceptional challenges of responding effectively and appropriately to both global and domestic terrorism in democratic societies like Canada.
explain security policy options and the balancing of collective security and individual rights.
describe the changing role and nature of public policing in a security environment.
discuss general trends in relation to the future of terrorism and anti-terrorism.
In addition to selected texts and readings, students will engage with related public issues and policy debates and participate in a research-based terrorist case study exercise. In summary, this course offers a broad social science understanding of terrorism and anti-terrorism which provides a sound foundation for more focused police terrorism strategies and approaches.
Course Structure
Over the course of 12 weeks, students will study the following concepts and themes:
Each week utilises a series of case studies and a number of different sources (audio/visual) to deliver its message.
Defining Terrorism and its History
The Historical Development of Post Modern Terrorism
Political Terrorism: Government Terrorism
Political Terrorism: Ideological Terrorism
Religious Terrorism: Islamic Terrorism
Religious Terrorism: Christian Fundamentalism and Terrorism
Social or Root Causes of Terrorism
Individual Explanations of Terrorism
The Funding of Terrorism
Responding to Terrorism Threats and Challenges
The Canadian Response to Terrorism - Policy and Practice
Terrorizing the Future - the Future of Terrorism
Cost
The cost of the course is CAD $995+HST.
More information
If you have any questions relating to the course, please review the course pages at https://www.globalanddomesticterrorism.net or email for further information.
On 01st August 2020, Dr Ian Messenger will be hosting an Ask the Instructor session where he will showcase the course and hold a Q&A session.