Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Understanding Terrorism Course Overview Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Department of Psychology University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Difficult Subject to Teach l Emotionally charged topic strongly conflicting points of view psychologically disturbing material l Requires parallel instead of linear information processing l Lacks adequate answers to important questions

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Approach l Background lectures by professor l Extensive writing assignments for thought focusing l Open discussion of selected topics l Introduction to the central issues and to the methods of analysis (soft psychology approach) rather than a traditional academic course

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objectives l To develop an understanding of and a sensitivity to the social- political conditions that spawn terrorism l To briefly examine terrorism in a historic context l To identify the most serious contemporary terrorist threats

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objects l To examine the methods of terrorism l To explore the psychological processes that create a terrorist l To examine the psychological impact of terrorist activities continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objectives l To encourage creative problem- solving to counter terrorism To prepare To survive To Endure the current terrorist threat to the United States continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Secondary Objectives l Learn how to interact effectively with people with whom you disagree l Learn how to obtain the most reliable information l Learn more about potential terrorist weapons and response preparedness

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Secondary Objectives l Learn how to listen to opposing views more effectively l Develop better analytical skills l Develop better anger management skills continued Your opinion

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Classroom Behavior and Beyond l The usual rules of classroom behavior are applicable arrive on-time & dont leave early cell phones turned off and put away irrelevant books & papers put away raise your hand not your voice etc., etc., etc. (see online syllabus) l Some additional rules also apply

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules l The professor owns the classroom this is not a democratic process you want to run the show? then get your own class (and maybe a Ph.D. first) l Move on! (The discussion of this topic is over.) time or temper may limit some discussions the move on command ends the topic

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules l Las Vegas Rule (What happens here stays here.) recording devices are prohibited no continuation of arguments outside of classroom l No place for political correctness everyone will have an equal opportunity to be offended continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules l Classroom discussions are discussions not student lectures you have limited time to make your point use it effectively listen attentively to other persons point of view process the information and be willing to change (i.e., learn) from your new experience think before rebutting someones position keep the rebuttal logical continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Class Format l Background lecture & material l Focus questions assigned for most class periods professors introductory comments open discussion of focus questions professors summary & comments l New focus questions assigned

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Requirements l Considerable reading (and thinking) on class topics l Short, twice-weekly essays addressing assigned focus questions l Annotated bibliography l Term paper l Regular class attendance

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Grade l Attendance & focus essays (70%) two excused absences during mandatory attendance period 29 January through 10 April 5% deduction per class period retroactive no excuses, no make-up, no credit l Annotated bibliography (10%) l Term paper (20%)

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Focus Questions (70%) l Usually two questions for each twice-weekly class period l Approximately words per question l Primarily thought stimulating, with research & references optional l Typewritten single-spaced and submitted as hardcopy

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Annotated Bibliography (10%) l 15 to 20 articles l Typewritten with full bibliographic information l Brief annotations 1/2 to 1 single-spaced page per source (or longer as necessary) summary with brief critique & other notes

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Term Paper (20%) l Typewritten APA style l Length double-spaced pages l Referenced as appropriate l Scholarly standards consistent with senior undergraduate seminar (i.e., the best work one can do after 4 years of university education) l Emphasis on logic and composition

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. X-Rating l Terrorism is a nasty business terrorist tactics involve gruesome acts of violence including killing, injuring, & torturing their victims the topic cannot be seriously addressed without examining these behaviors in detail some material may be graphic and disturbing, the language vulgar

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units l Overview of Terrorism l Historic Roots of Terrorism Brief history of terrorism Historic roots of modern terrorists l Terrorist Weapons & Tactics l Terrorism and the Media: Amplifying the Terrorists' Impact (unwilling partners)

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units l Information Sources: Discerning Facts from Fiction l Psychological Impact of Terrorism l Genesis of Terrorism l Understanding the Terrorist: Any value in psychological profiling? continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units l National, Regional, and Individual Preparedness for Terrorist Attacks l Developing Effective Counter- Terrorist Strategies continued

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Orientation l Strongly Pro-American some discussions may criticize past and present American foreign or domestic policies American counter-terrorism strategies but such self-examination is a critical part of an open, democratic society in the final analysis, American security interests are the top priority here

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Focus Question Set #1 l What is terrorism? l What are the objectives of terrorists? What is their ultimate goal? What are they trying to accomplish? Remember that focus questions are open source but acknowledge the sourceavoid plagiarism!

Copyright Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. The course syllabus is available online at: