LIB 323

LIB323 Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World This course examines the ways revolution and terrorism has shaped the

twenty-first century from an interdisciplinary perspective drawing on

history, philosophy, and sociology. Emphasis is on the ideas and socio-

historical forces that have produced revolutions.

LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Table of Contents COURSE AT A GLANCE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

COURSE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4

COURSE DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

COURSE PREREQUISITES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

LEARNING OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4

COURSE MATERIALS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

REQUIRED TEXT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

REQUIRED RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Articles .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Text .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Articles .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Multimedia ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

COMPONENTS OF COURSE EVALUATION ................................................................................................................................... 8

DISCUSSIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

FINAL PAPER – COMBATTING FUTURE TERRORISM ................................................................................................................................ 8

COURSE GRADING ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Grading Percent Breakdown ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

WEEK ONE ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Required Resources ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Recommended Resource .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Discussions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

WEEK TWO .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Required Resources ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Recommended Resource .................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Discussions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

WEEK THREE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Required Resources ......................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Recommended Resources ................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Discussions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

WEEK FOUR ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Required Resources ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Discussions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Assignment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

WEEK FIVE .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

COURSE CONTENT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Learning Outcomes ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Required Resources ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Discussions ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Final Paper ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

COURSE MAP ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Course at a Glance

Course Description This course examines the ways revolution and terrorism has shaped the twenty-first century from an interdisciplinary

perspective drawing on history, philosophy, and sociology. Emphasis is on the ideas and socio-historical forces that have

produced revolutions.

Course Design During this course, students will examine the phenomena of terrorism from several different academic perspectives. In

Week One, students will discuss what the term terrorism means and gain an understanding of the subjective nature of this

term. Students will also explore the causes of terrorism as perceived from a Western perspective. In Week Two, students

will differentiate between international and domestic terrorism and explore the potential threats posed by each. The Patriot

Act will be critiqued and its impact on society analyzed. In Week Three, terrorism in Northern Ireland and Russia will be

examined, and students will explain how relative peace has been brought to these regions. The human cost of terrorism

will be made clear as students view a video about a terrorist attack on a Russian elementary school. In Week Four,

violence in the Middle East, with a focus on radical Islamic groups, will be examined. Students will discuss the most

active of these groups and analyze the role that Israel plays in this conflict. In the final week, the threat of terrorism and

associate international criminal activity in Latin and South America will be analyzed, and students will better understand

the impact this “low profile” terrorism has had on American society. The course culminates with a Final Paper, in which

students will hypothesize the future of terrorism and offer strategies to prevent future attacks.

Course Prerequisites There are no prerequisites for LIB323.

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the ways revolution and terrorism have shaped the twenty-first century.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the United States Constitution and the application of selected criminal and

social justice theories.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

3. Evaluate the centralization of criminal justice agencies domestically, the U.S. Homeland Security Act, and the

international aspect of criminal and social justice.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary approaches of sociology, ethics, psychology and law

relative to the study of criminal justice.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Course Materials

Required Text Spindlove, J. R. & Simonsen, C. E. (2013). Terrorism today: The past, the players, the future (5th ed.). New Jersey:

Pearson Education.

Required Resources Articles Blanche, E. (2003) AL QAEDA: The Latin American connection. Middle East, (334), 28. Retrieved from the

EBSCOhost database.

Dettmer, J. (2012). So much for the Arab Spring. Maclean's, 125(38), 32-35. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database.

Hughes, J. (2007). The Chechnya conflict: Freedom fighters or terrorists? Demokratizatsiya, 15(3), 293-311. Retrieved

from the ProQuest database.

Schaefer, A. (2007). Inside the terrorist mind. Scientific American Mind, 18(6), 72-79. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost

database.

United States Department of Justice. (n.d.). Highlights of the USA Patriot Act. Retrieved from

http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm

Recommended Resources Text U.S. Army. (2007). Terror operations: Case studies in terrorism (TRADOC G2 Handbook No. 1.01). Retrieved from:

https://www.fas.org/irp/threat/terrorism/sup1.pdf

Articles

Saul, B. (2005). Definition of “Terrorism” in the UN Security Council: 1985-2004. Chinese Journal of International Law,

4(1), 141-166. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database.

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA

Patriot Act) Act of 2001. Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272. (2001). Retrieved from

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ56/pdf/PLAW-107publ56.pdf.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Multimedia Sim, K. (Director & Producer). (2005). Beslan: Siege of school no. 1 [Television series episode]. In S. Segaller

(Executive producer). Wide angle. New York, NY: Educational Broadcasting Corporation (WNET). Retrieved

from the Films On Demand database.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Components of Course Evaluation Multiple measures of evaluation are used in the course, allowing students opportunities to demonstrate their learning in

more than one way, and giving consideration to individual learning styles. Course components that will be evaluated

include:

Discussions Each week students will participate in online discussions with classmates, which are related to the week’s readings. These

discussions replace the interactive dialogue that occurs in the traditional classroom setting. Each week, students’ initial

discussion posts are due by 11:59 p.m. (of the time zone in which each student resides) on Day 3 (Thursday). Students

will have until 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 (the following Monday) to make the required minimum number of response posts to

classmates. Discussions represent 40% of the overall course grade.

Assignments There is a written assignment due in Weeks One through Four of this course. These assignments must reflect college-level

writing and critical thinking. Assignments represent 40% of the overall course grade.

Final Paper – Combating Future Terrorism The final assignment for this course is a Final Paper. The purpose of the Final Paper is for you to culminate the learning

achieved in the course by creating and analyzing ideas to help prevent future terrorist attacks. The Final Paper

represents 20% of the overall course grade.

Focus of the Final Paper Since the September 11 attacks, the future complexion of terrorism has become quite ambiguous. Subsequently, counter-

terrorism strategies have evolved to address terrorist attacks of any form against the United States. For your Final Paper,

you must address the following points:

a. Decide whether international or domestic terrorism currently constitutes the greatest threat to the United States.

 Use historic, cultural, and diversity aspects to support your conclusion.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

b. Summarize some of the strategies the United States can utilize to prevent future terrorist attacks.

c. Assess whether socio-economic strategies can be utilized to eliminate the motivation of terrorist groups or if

military action is the only viable response to terrorists.

 Use historic, cultural, and diversity aspects of the terrorist populations to support your conclusion.

d. Evaluate if future legislation or constitutional amendments could be utilized to hinder possible terrorist attacks.

e. Analyze if additional powers are needed by the federal government to protect the country from terrorist attacks.

f. Evaluate if the increasing of governmental powers is worth the potential erosion of civil liberties.

g. Infer what the future of terrorism is and whether the frequency of attacks will increase or decrease over time.

Support your conclusion

Writing the Final Paper The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the

Ashford Writing Center.

2. Must include a title page with the following:

a. Title of paper

b. Student’s name

c. Course name and number

d. Instructor’s name

e. Date submitted

3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

6. Must use at least six scholarly resources (including a minimum of three from the Ashford University Library)

other than the textbook.

7. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing

Center.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Course Grading

Grading Percent Breakdown

Discussions 40%

Assignments 40% Final Paper 20% Total: 100%

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Week One

Course Content To be completed during the first week of class

Overview

Assignment Due Date Format Grading Percent Post Your Introduction Day 1

Discussion 1

Defining Terrorism Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 3

Origins of State Terrorism Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 4

The Roots of Terrorism Day 7 Assignment

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Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Evaluate ambiguous and conflicting definitions of terrorism.

2. Analyze the history of terrorism and revolutionary activity.

3. Evaluate various incidents throughout history and infer the root causes of terroristic activity.

Introduction This week’s assignments will provide an introduction to the study of terrorism and revolutionary activity. One objective

this week is to ascertain a working definition of terrorism that will enable students to gain a clearer insight into what this

term actually encompasses. The adage that “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” is quite relevant,

especially in today’s international environment. Settling on a definition of terrorism will no doubt be a difficult

undertaking since institutions, such as the United Nations, have not been able to adequately define this elusive term. Next,

the history of violence, which may or may not be characterized as terroristic in nature, will be compared to events that

have traditionally been considered revolutionary. For example, were colonial patriots during the Revolutionary War

terrorists? Was the Boston Tea Party an act of terrorism? The assignment for this week will help students form an opinion

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online regarding this complex topic. Gaining an overall understanding of the framework in which events are judged, and how

this framework has evolved over time, will be central to this week’s learning.

Required Resources Required Text

1. Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future

a. Chapter 1 – In Search of a Definition for Terrorism

b. Chapter 2 – A Brief History of Terrorism

Article

1. Schaefer, A. (2007). Inside the terrorist mind. Scientific American Mind, 18(6), 72-79. Retrieved from the

EBSCOhost database.

Recommended Resource Article

1. Saul, B. (2005). Definition of “Terrorism” in the UN Security Council: 1985-2004. Chinese Journal of

International Law, 4(1), 141-166. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database.

(This article illustrates the complexity of defining the term “terrorism.”)

Discussions Participate in the following discussions:

1. 1st Post Due by Day 1. Post Your Introduction. After introducing yourself to classmates, please select one of

the options below to include in your introductory post:

a. This course discusses both revolutionary and terroristic activity throughout the world, primarily in the

twentieth century. In your opinion, what are the primary differences between these activities? Can either

be morally justified? If so, under what conditions?

b. Many students taking this course have had military experience, have family or friends in the military, or

are currently serving in the armed forces. If this applies to you, have you had any personal experiences

with the War on Terror? If so, when and where? What was your role? Do you think these experiences

have influenced your perceptions of terrorism? Why or why not?

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Review your classmates’ posts. Welcome at least three of your peers and comment on their opinions and

experiences by Day 7.

2. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Defining Terrorism. As indicated in Chapter 1 of the text, defining terrorism has proven

to be a difficult task. Why do you think this is the case? After reading the text, provide your own definition of

terrorism. Include historical examples of terrorism that support your definition. Also, provide an example of

terrorism that does not fit neatly into your definition. Identify and explain three difficulties, or “sticking points,”

faced by scholars in defining terrorism. How could these difficulties be addressed? Is terrorism subjective in

nature, or can it be clearly defined? Do different cultures define this term in different ways? Be sure to explain

your answer.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your

classmates’ posts by Day 7.

3. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Origins of State Terrorism. The adage “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom

fighter” exemplifies the difficulties faced when determining whether or not an incident is terroristic in nature. The

French Revolution is frequently cited as the first incident of state-sponsored terrorism in history. Do you agree or

disagree with utilizing this period as a point of origin for terrorism? Did terrorism exist prior to the French

Revolution? Are the terrorist acts we see today significantly different from those of the past? If so, how?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your

classmates’ posts by Day 7.

Assignment 1. Due by Day 7. The Roots of Terrorism. This week’s assigned readings have presented various causes for why

terrorist events occur. Political, cultural, economic, societal, and religious motivations have all been cited as root

causes for terrorist activity. For this assignment, select the motivator (culture, economy, society, or religion) that

you think has had the greatest impact on terrorism throughout history. Then address the following:

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

a. Summarize the reasons why you think this cause has been the most influential in spawning terrorist

activity.

b. Recommend a course of action to mitigate this cause.

c. Extrapolate what the greatest impediments to this course of action are.

d. Predict whether the cause you selected will remain the most important throughout the immediate

future.

The paper must be at least three pages in length and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least one

scholarly resource other than the textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources within the text of your paper

and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford

Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar, in your online course.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Week Two

Course Content To be completed during the second week of class

Overview

Assignment Due Date Format Grading Percent Domestic Terrorism in the United States Day 3

(1st post) Discussion 4

Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States

Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 4

The U.S.A. Patriot Act Day 7

Assignment 10

Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Evaluate the motivation behind various forms of domestic terrorism within the United States.

2. Analyze the causes of international terrorist activities that have targeted the United States in the twentieth and

twenty-first centuries.

3. Summarize critical portions of the U.S.A. Patriot Act and infer whether this legislation is beneficial or harmful to

American society.

Introduction This week, students will focus on terrorism that targets the United States. Students will explain the various forms of

domestic or “home-grown” terrorism that have taken place over the past century. The motives, execution, and results of

several domestic terrorism incidents will also be analyzed. Students will also identify which group (or groups) poses the

greatest threat to American society. Additionally, international terrorist attacks, which have proven to be the greatest

threat faced by the United States, will be examined, and the threat levels of both state and non-state actors will be

identified and evaluated. Finally, students will summarize the U.S.A. Patriot Act as it applies to terrorism, and argue

either for or against the legality of this legislation.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online Required Resources Required Text

1. Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future

a. Chapter 3 - The United States of America

Article

1. United States Department of Justice. (n.d.). Highlights of the USA Patriot Act. Retrieved from

http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm.

Recommended Resource Article

1. Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism

(USA Patriot Act) Act of 2001. Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272. (2001). Retrieved from

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ56/pdf/PLAW-107publ56.pdf

(This is the full and official text of the Patriot Act, which will benefit students in writing their Week Two Essay.)

Discussions Participate in the following discussions:

1. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Domestic Terrorism in the United States. Terrorism that originates within the United

States and is committed by American citizens is a facet of our history that has often been overlooked. Following

the attacks on the United States that were perpetrated by radical Islamists, discussions of terrorism have tended to

focus on those incidents that stem from groups with ties to Middle East extremists. For this discussion, we will

focus on terrorist acts and groups that are considered “home grown.” In your initial post, please address the

following:

a. In your own words, provide a definition of domestic terrorism.

b. Select a group that facilitates (or has facilitated) domestic terrorism and briefly comment on their

goals and actions.

c. Provide an opinion as to whether or not domestic terrorism is a viable threat to the stability of the

United States. Explain your reasoning.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Your initial post is due by Day 3 and must be at least 250 words in length. In addition to the text, you must utilize

one scholarly source from the Ashford University Library in your post. Review several of your classmates’ posts

and provide substantive responses to at least two of your peers by Day 7 who selected different groups than you

did.

2. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States. Radical Islam is widely perceived

to be the greatest international threat to the United States in terms of terrorism. Do you agree or disagree with this

assertion? Provide reasons to support your position. If radical Islam does not pose the most significant

international terroristic threat to the United States, what does?

Your initial post is due by Day 3 and must be at least 250 words in length. In addition to the text, you must utilize

one scholarly source from the Ashford University Library in your post. Review several of your classmates’ posts

and provide substantive responses to at least two of your peers by Day 7, one of whom has expressed an opinion

that is different from yours.

Assignment 1. Due by Day 7. The U.S.A. Patriot Act. The U.S.A. Patriot Act has generated controversy ever since it was

passed into law shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Advocates argue that this legislation is a vital

tool required by law enforcement to effectively fight and prevent future acts of terror against the United States.

However, opponents of the law are concerned that it legalizes an erosion of the civil liberties of American

Citizens. In your paper, please address the following:

a. Summarize the origins and development of the Act in Congress to include its support and opposition,

reauthorizations, and amendments.

b. Select three to five provisions of the Act that you consider to be the most controversial and explain

the arguments on both sides.

c. Provide an overall assessment of whether the Patriot Act has been beneficial or detrimental to

American society.

The paper must be at least three double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference page) and formatted

according to APA style. In addition to the two required readings, you must use at least one scholarly resource to

support your claims. Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning

Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar, in your online course.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Week Three

Course Content To be completed during the third week of class

Overview

Assignment Due Date Format Grading Percent The “Troubles” in Northern Ireland Day 3

(1st post) Discussion 4

Chechen Terrorism in Russia Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 4

Annotated Bibliography Day 7

Assignment 10

Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Analyze the conflict in Northern Ireland during the twentieth century.

2. Categorize the conflict between Russia and Chechnya and contrast the resolution of this conflict with that in

Northern Ireland.

3. Create an annotated bibliography that demonstrates strong research skills and technical writing proficiency.

Introduction In Week Three, students will explain how the conflict in Northern Ireland originated and identify the primary players who

were involved. Additionally, students will assess the manner in which this conflict was ended and interpret the impact of

conflict resolution theories on the outcome. Students will also examine the conflict between Russia and Chechnya and

will provide opinions regarding whether the unrest in this area is a result of terrorism or revolutionary activity. Students

will also compare and contrast this conflict with the one that took place in Northern Ireland. Finally, students will select

their topics for the Final Paper and create an annotated bibliography of sources they intend to utilize for the essay.

Required Resources Required Text

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

1. Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future

a. Chapter 5: Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Article

1. Hughes, J. (2007). The Chechnya conflict: Freedom fighters or terrorists? Demokratizatsiya, 15(3), 293-311.

Retrieved from the ProQuest database.

Recommended Resources Text

1. Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future

a. Chapter 7: Eastern Europe and the Balkans

(This chapter provides supplemental information that may be used for the “Chechen Terrorism in Russia”

discussion question.)

2. U.S. Army. (2007). Terror operations: Case studies in terrorism (TRADOC G2 Handbook No. 1.01). Retrieved

from: https://www.fas.org/irp/threat/terrorism/sup1.pdf

a. Chapter 6: Beslan: Hostage Crisis and Mass Murder

(This chapter provides supplemental information that may be used for the “Chechen Terrorism in Russia”

discussion question.)

Multimedia

1. Sim, K. (Director & Producer). (2005). Beslan: Siege of school no. 1 [Television series episode]. In S. Segaller

(Executive producer). Wide angle. New York, NY: Educational Broadcasting Corporation (WNET). Retrieved

from the Films On Demand database.

(This film provides students with an overview of the results of terrorism.)

Discussions Participate in the following discussions:

1. 1st Post Due by Day 3. The “Troubles” in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has a long history of violence

between various groups that possess disparate political and religious objectives and argue, primarily, over who

should have governmental control of the country. Today, however, this violence has ostensibly come to an end,

and Northern Ireland is relatively peaceful. For this discussion, please address the following questions:

a. How did the dispute in Northern Ireland originate?

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

b. Who were/are the key groups in this dispute?

c. What were two key events in this conflict during the twentieth century?

d. How was peace eventually achieved?

e. Would you consider the conflict a “revolution” or a series of terrorist actions? Why?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Provide a substantive response to at

least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

2. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Chechen Terrorism in Russia. Violence between the Russian Federation and Chechnya

has been a problem in the North Caucasus region since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This violence has

included two wars, utilizing conventional Russian military forces to engage Chechen fighters as well as numerous

operations conducted against Russian civilians by Chechens within Russia itself. As with the conflict in Northern

Ireland, this violence has generally come to an end. After completing the reading and viewing the video about

this incident, please address the following in your initial post:

a. What impact did religion, culture, and political considerations have on the origins of this conflict?

b. What prompted Russian forces to launch two large scale military operations into Chechnya?

c. What impact did the attack at Beslan School Number One have on the conflict?

d. Was this attack a legitimate military action, considering the circumstances in Chechnya?

e. Should Chechen forces be considered terrorists? Why or why not?

f. Why did the conflict in Chechnya de-escalate, and how does this de-escalation compare to that in

Northern Ireland?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates’

posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.

.

Assignment 1. Due by Day 7. Annotated Bibliography. To complete this assignment successfully, review the instructions for

the Final Paper in Week Five. The intent of this assignment is to assist you in organizing and evaluating potential

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

scholarly sources for the Final Paper.

a. Name of the article, including the complete bibliographic citation, using APA format.

b. Summary/abstract of the article – annotation (sometimes it is helpful to ask yourself the following

questions in synthesizing the information:

 Who? (author)

 What was done? (for example, an experimental study investigating the interaction of short term

memory and attention)

 How? (was it done)

 What were the findings? (identify the major ones)

 Contributions? (New findings, applications, etc.)

 How will this article support or dispute my thesis?

To conduct accurate research, you need to do research in peer-reviewed journals or other sources that are

considered to have reliable information. In addition to your required course text, you need at least six professional

scholarly sources, three of which must be peer reviewed journal articles found in the Ashford University Library.

Academic research papers must meet university level standards of quality. What constitutes quality, academic

research?

a. Primary sources written by experts in the field of study

b. Secondary sources supported by research in primary sources

c. Credible sources (experts in the area of study)

d. Relevant research (materials are pertinent to the area of study)

e. Peer-reviewed journal articles (journal articles reviewed by recognized experts in the relevant field of

study).

f. Educational and government websites (those ending with a web URL suffix of .edu or .gov) may be

appropriate in some cases but should be evaluated carefully.

Please visit the Academic Research section on your course homepage (accessible through the Student

Responsibilities and Policies tab on the left navigation toolbar) to review what types of materials are not

acceptable for academic, university level research.

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The paper must be formatted according to APA style and include a title page. For information regarding annotated

bibliographies and APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the

Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar in your online classroom.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Week Four

Course Content To be completed during the fourth week of class

Overview

Assignment Due Date Format Grading Percent Terrorism in Israel Day 3

(1st post) Discussion 4

Islamic Extremists in the Middle East Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 4

The Arab Spring and Terrorism Day 7

Assignment 10

Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Summarize the role that Israel has played in Middle Eastern terrorism.

2. Analyze the origins, goals, and methods of an Islamic terrorist group.

3. Analyze the impact of the Arab Spring on the state and non-state sponsored terrorism in the region.

Introduction In Week Four, students will gain a deeper understanding of the causes of terrorism in the Middle East and of the groups

that utilize terror as a political weapon. Students will also define Israel’s role in this violence. In addition, various

prominent Islamic terrorist groups will be examined to better understand their origins, structures, and activities. The

written assignment will focus on the Arab Spring and its impact on terrorism in the region.

Required Resources Required Text

1. Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future

a. Chapter 8: North Africa and the Middle East

Article

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

1. Dettmer, J. (2012). So much for the Arab Spring. Maclean's, 125(38), 32-35. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost

database.

Discussions Participate in the following discussions:

1. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Terrorism in Israel. The state of Israel has been engaged with Islamic terrorists since its

inception and recognition as a country. However, even prior to the establishment of Israel, Jewish and Arab

fighters engaged in acts of violence in British-occupied Palestine. For your initial post, address the following:

a. Prior to Israeli independence, against whom did Jewish fighters commit acts of violence? Why?

b. In your opinion, were Jewish actions during this period acts of terrorism or of self-defense? Support your

answer with your definition of terrorism.

c. Are Israeli military actions against peoples in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and surrounding Arab countries

simply state-sponsored terrorism? Why or why not?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates’

posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.

2. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Islamic Extremists in the Middle East. Numerous Islamic terrorist groups have been

active in the Middle East in recent decades. For your initial post, select one of these groups and describe how

they have impacted the political landscape of the Middle East. What motivates this group? Who are their

primary economic and material sponsors? Extrapolate what the ultimate goal of this group is and explain whether

this goal achievable.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates’

posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online Assignment

1. Due by Day 7. The Arab Spring and Terrorism. After completing this week’s readings, compose a short essay

that addresses the following:

a. Briefly describe what took place during the political movement known as the Arab Spring and indicate

which countries were affected.

b. Analyze the impact of this movement on one of these countries in terms of political and social change.

c. Determine if this movement will increase or decrease the amount of terrorism activity emanating from the

country you selected and suppo1rt your thesis.

d. Provide an overall analysis of the impact of the Arab Spring on the state and non-state sponsored

terrorism in the region.

The paper must be at least three double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style. You must

use at least one scholarly resource (in addition to the two required readings) to support your claims. Cite your

sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including

samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on the left

navigation toolbar, in your online course.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Week Five

Course Content To be completed during the fifth week of class

Overview

Assignment Due Date Format Grading Percent State Terrorism in Latin America Day 3

(1st post) Discussion 4

Latin America and Islamic Jihad Day 3 (1st post)

Discussion 4

Combating Future Terrorism Day 7

Final Paper 20

Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Interpret the relationship between state terrorism and the government in various Latin American countries.

2. Analyze the connection between Latin America and Islamic jihad.

3. Evaluate the modern response to modern terrorism.

Introduction The discussions for this week will center upon Latin America and the concept of state terrorism. Students will examine

the characteristics of this type of terrorism, determine factors that have contributed to its existence, and provide an opinion

as to if state terrorism could emerge in the United States. Students will also examine the relationship between Latin

America and Islamic jihad and explore possible means that could eliminate this connection. The Final Paper is due by Day

7.

Required Resources Required Text

1. Terrorism today: the past, the players, the future

a. Chapter 13: Latin America and South America

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online Article

1. Blanche, E. (2003) AL QAEDA: The Latin American connection. Middle East, (334), 28. Retrieved from the

EBSCOhost database.

Discussions Participate in the following discussions:

1. 1st Post Due by Day 3. State Terrorism in Latin America. As the text indicates, several Latin American

countries have experienced state terrorism within the context of governmental rule. For your initial post, craft a

response that address the following questions:

a. Which Latin American countries have experienced this form of violence?

b. Why have these forms of government been viewed as “acceptable” by many in the region?

c. Could state terrorism emerge within the United States? Why or why not?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your

classmates’ posts by Day 7.

2. 1st Post Due by Day 3. Latin America and Islamic Jihad. In Latin America, the Tri-Border Region has played

a significant role for terrorist organizations. In your initial post, address the following:

a. Where is the Tri-Border Region?

b. Why is this region strategically important for terrorist organizations?

c. Which is the most active terrorist group to utilize this area?

d. What actions have local governments taken to fight the use of this region by terrorists?

e. Evaluate the ramifications of unilateral (or cooperative) U.S. military operations in this region.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required

material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your

classmates’ posts by Day 7.

28

LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Final Paper 1. Due by Day 7. Combating Future Terrorism. The complete instructions for the Final Paper can be found in

Week Five of your online course or in the “Components of Course Evaluation” section of this guide.

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LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online

Course Map The course map illustrates the careful design of the course through which each learning objective is supported by one or

more specific learning activities in order to create integrity and pedagogical depth in the learning experience.

Learning Outcome Week Assignment

1. Analyze the ways revolution and terrorism have shaped the twenty-first century.

1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5

 Defining Terrorism Discussion  Origins of State Terrorism Discussion  The Roots of Terrorism Assignment  Domestic Terrorism in the United States

Discussion  Radical Islam and the Threat to the United

States Discussion  The U.S.A. Patriot Act Assignment  The “Troubles” in Northern Ireland

Discussion  Chechen Terrorism in Russia Discussion  Annotated Bibliography Assignment  Terrorism in Israel Discussion  Islamic Extremists in the Middle East

Discussion  The Arab Spring and Terrorism Assignment  State Terrorism in Latin America Discussion  Latin America and Islamic Jihad Discussion  Combating Future Terrorism Final Paper

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the United States Constitution and the application of selected criminal and social justice theories.

2 2 2 3 5

 Domestic Terrorism in the United States Discussion

 Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States Discussion

 The U.S.A. Patriot Act Assignment  Annotated Bibliography Assignment  Combating Future Terrorism Final Paper

3. Evaluate the centralization of criminal justice agencies domestically, the U.S. Homeland Security Act, and the international aspect of criminal and social justice.

2 2 2 3 5

 Domestic Terrorism in the United States Discussion

 Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States Discussion

 The United States Patriot Act Assignment  Annotated Bibliography Assignment  Combating Future Terrorism Final Paper

30

LIB323: Revolution and Terrorism in the Modern World Online 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the

interdisciplinary approaches of sociology, ethics, psychology, and law relative to the study of criminal justice and terrorism.

2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5

 Domestic Terrorism in the United States Discussion

 Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States Discussion

 The U.S.A. Patriot Act Assignment  The “Troubles” in Northern Ireland

Discussion  Chechen Terrorism in Russia Discussion  Annotated Bibliography Assignment  Terrorism in Israel Discussion  Islamic Extremists in the Middle East

Discussion  The Arab Spring and Terrorism Assignment  State Terrorism in Latin America Discussion  Latin America and Islamic Jihad Discussion  Combating Future Terrorism Final Paper

31