Counterterrorism
Hybrid Course
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Location: Wiesbaden
Course Dates/Times:15 Jan 2018 – 11 Mar 2018
In Class sessions – Wednesdays 1800-2100 hours:17 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 07 Feb, 15 Feb (Th), 21 Feb, 28 Feb, and 07 Mar, with additional weekly CTC Blackboard discussions and assignments
Note: Class will be moved from Wednesday 14 Feb 18 to Thursday 15 Feb 18 because of Valentines Day.
Instructor: Joseph “Joe” Kirkey
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Fridays 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Instructor Email:
Phone: 0611-143-548-7005
- INTRODUCTION
- The goal of this course is to provide students with a broad understanding of the basic structure, roles and missions of the counterterrorism community. The course will focus on domestic terrorist groups from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and North America. It offers critical evaluation of the counterterrorism measures implemented in response to these terrorist groups. The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to compare terrorist groups’, assesses the factors that are conducive to certain groups’ sustainability and those that led to other groups “demise”. Measures that were successful and not successful to counter terrorists’ organizations will also be evaluated.
- This course is a required course in the Homeland Security—Emergency Management Associate of Applied Science Degree.
- This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.
- Prerequisite(s): None
- LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, Counterterrorism, the student will:
- Acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of counterterrorism.
- Discuss and analyze the motivation of terrorism.
- Describe and analyze the recurring issues pertaining to geopolitics and counterterrorism as they relate to religion, domestic, and international structures.
- Describe and analyze the basic elements of power and counterterrorism by examining the challenges associated with limiting power.
- Acquire a basic knowledge base of the rules of engagement that counterterrorism units deal with.
- Compare and contrast the separations of powers between judiciary forums, the public, and the media.
- Acquire an in depth knowledge of the principles and issues associated with the interrogation of terrorism suspects.
- Explain the evolution of state-sponsored terrorism and methods of dealing with state-sponsored terrorism.
- Define and analyze the media’s role in counterterrorism operations by exploring how terrorists use the media to their advantage.
- Describe and analyze the issues associated with framing a homeland security program that will deal with all forms of terrorism.
- Understand and identify the issues that governments must deal with in response to a terrorist attack by exploring the ramifications associated with every decision.
- INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through
Required Student Textbook:
Maras, M. (2013). Counterterrorism. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Author:Marie-Helen Maras, PhD, Associate Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
ISBN:9781449648602
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A.Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B.You should attend class regularly in both face-to-face and online Central Texas College (CTC) Blackboard classes. Online attendance involves logging into your Blackboard class and participating in discussions, submitting assignments, etc. Be prepared to also take any unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current CTC Course Catalog.
C.You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crash-cram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or projects will be considered in grade computation.
D.From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E.You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F.Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G.Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
Students guilty of scholastic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of “F” and be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion.
H.Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
V. COURSE FORMAT – Hybrid with BLACKBOARD
This course has been developed as a hybrid course. Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with assignments and interaction with instructor via CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to CTC Blackboard and that they are familiar with the contents and assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard at least once a week to ‘attend’ the online class portion and to participate in the online Blackboard discussions and assignments. Failure to do so will violate the attendance policy and will have a negative impact on the course grade.
The course will meet for eight weeks, once a week, for a three-hour face-to-face session. In addition, instructional strategies will include weekly CTC Blackboard assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the remaining instruction per week.
Discussion Board Guidelines
To earn full participation points, you must add something of substance to the discussion board - this consists of new ideas, your perspectives, pointed follow-up questions, etc. You will find it is much easier to keep up with an online class when you are logging in and participating regularly.
Review the assigned grading rubric for this discussion. Proofread your work carefully as grammar and spelling errors WILL impact the grading. I expect your contributions to reflect critical thought. Include references to back up position(s) and ensure to cite your sources in APA format.
Your initial response must be at least 250 words and must be posted no later than Thursday by 11:59 p.m. of the lesson week. Points WILL be deducted for late submissions.
You must respond to at least one classmate per Discussion Board assignment with a minimum of 100 words. Your response(s) must be posted no later than Sunday by 11:59 p.m. of the lesson week.
Ensure you do not just state "I agree" or "I disagree."
VI. EXAMINATIONS
- There will be two major examinations and two written papers as follows:
1.Mid-term exam via Blackboard due on 11 Feb 18.
2.500 Word Essay via Blackboard due on 11 Feb 18.
3.Final exam via Blackboard due on 11 Mar 18.
4. Term Paper due on 11 Mar 18.
B.A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C.Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D.Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-the-blank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
E. If final exam is on Blackboard, it will be administered via BioSig application.See Blackboard class for registration information.
VII.SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
Discussion Boards x740%
Quizzes x 715%
Exams x 225%
Writing Assignments x 220%
Total percent of your grade:100%
Letter GradePercentage
A 90%-100% B 80%-89% C 70%-79% D 60%-69% F 0%-59%
A term paper/project is expected from all students. Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities, so the instructor may need to revisit the term paper concept during the course.
VIII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR
- Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details.
- GoArmyEdstudents should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated student Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.
- Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student Services Officer for that region.
- Faculty/Administrative Initiated Withdrawals
Faculty are authorized to withdraw students who are not making satisfactory course progress as outlined in the section of the Catalog entitled "Satisfactory Progress Standards”.
A student may be administratively withdrawn by a designated member of the administrative staff of the College under the following conditions:
- The student has been placed on Academic Suspension or Disciplinary Suspension;
- The student has an outstanding financial obligation owed to the college;
- The student registered for a course without the required prerequisite or departmental permission;
- Students who do not participate or complete graded activities during the first week will be administratively withdrawn.
The college is under no obligation to refund tuition and fees, or other costs associated with a student who is administratively withdrawn.
- Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade.
- Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
- Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.
- Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
IX. COURSE OUTLINE
Week / Chapter(s) / Assignment(s)1 – Lesson 1
15 Jan – 21 Jan / Chapter 1
Chapter 2 / Self-Introduction – Classroom (Not Graded)
L1 Discussion– Blackboard(40 points)
Plagiarism Quiz-Blackboard(10 points)
L1 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
2 – Lesson 2
22 Jan – 28 Jan / Chapter 3
Chapter 4 / L2 Discussion - Blackboard(40 points)
L2 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
3 – Lesson 3
29 Jan – 4 Feb / Chapter 5
Chapter 6 / L3 Discussion - Blackboard(40 points)
L3 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
4 – Lesson 4
5 Feb – 11 Feb / Chapter 7 / L4 Discussion – Blackboard(40 points)
500 Word Essay – Blackboard(35 points)
Mid Term Exam-Blackboard(50 points)
5 – Lesson 5
12 Feb – 18 Feb / Chapter 8
Chapter 9 / L5 Discussion - Blackboard(40 points)
L5 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
6 – Lesson 6
19 Feb – 25 Feb / Chapter 10
Chapter 11 / L6 Discussion - Blackboard(40 points)
L6 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
7 – Lesson 7
26 Feb – 4 Mar / Chapter 12
Chapter 13 / L7 Discussion - Blackboard(40 points)
L7 Quiz-Blackboard(20 points)
8 – Lesson 8
5 Mar – 11 Mar / Chapter 14 / L8 Discussion – Blackboard(40 points)
Term Paper – Blackboard(150 points)
Final Exam-Blackboard(100 points)
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.
Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with assignments and interaction via CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to internet so that they may communicate, via CTC Blackboard, with the instructor. The class is broken down into eight sessions. See below for course outline.
SESSION 1/ LESSON 1 – 15 Jan 18 – 21 Jan 18
a)Read Chapters 1 & 2 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 1 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 2/ LESSON 2 – 22 Jan 18 – 28 Jan 18
a)Read Chapters 34 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 2 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 3/ LESSON 3 – 29 Jan 18 – 04 Feb 18
a)Read Chapters 5 & 6 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 3 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 4/ LESSON 4 – 05 Feb 18 – 11 Feb 18
a)Read Chapter 7 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Midterm Exam is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
e)500 Word Essay is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 5/ LESSON 5 – 12 Feb 18 – 18 Feb 18
a)Read Chapters 8 & 9 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 5 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 6/ LESSON 6 – 19 Feb 18 – 25 Feb 18
a)Read Chapters 10 & 11 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 6 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 7/ LESSON 7 – 26 Feb 18 – 04 Mar 18
a)Read Chapters 12 & 13 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Lesson 7 Quiz is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
SESSION 8 / LESSON 8 – 05 Mar 18 – 11 Mar 18
a)Read Chapter 14 (quizzes and exams are derived from the textbook).
b)Class will meet face-to-face on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
c)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board:
- Initial post(minimum 250 Words) is due by Thursday at midnight (European time).
- Peer response (minimum 100 Words) is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
d)Final Exam is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
e)Term Paper is due by Sunday midnight (European time).
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