Terrorism as an ethical and international problem. Different cultures' historical trajectories for terrorism. Contrasts between Algerian, Irish, and Arab terrorism.
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to engage in advanced research and study in a special topic in order to serve the following purposes: 1. Improve the quality of research, writing, and communication skills. Because terrorism is by nature a politically charged topic this includes developing precision in explanation that is simultaneously sensitive and resistant to politicized understandings of terrorism. Ideally students should develop the ability to make intelligent, innovative, and original contributions to discussions on terrorism. 2. Students will be exposed to a diverse array of theories regarding terrorism. Students should be able to identify differences between distinct theories developed to explain terrorism as well as what explanatory power each of those theories has. Students will be expected to be able to know why some theories appear to have greater explanatory power than others. 3. Students will be exposed to primary materials including the memoirs of self-described terrorists. Students will learn why these artifacts are significant and how they can contribute to an understanding of terrorism that can be used to formulate policy responses.