Course Description
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.
This 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.
Course Outline
Week 1: Defining Terrorism and its History
Week 2: The Historical Development of Post Modern Terrorism
Week 3: Political Terrorism - Government Terrorism
Week 4: Political Terrorism - Ideological Terrorism
Week 5: Religious Terrorism - Islamic Terrorism
Week 6: Religious Terrorism - Christian Fundamentalism and Terrorism
Week 7: Social or Root Causes of Terrorism
Week 8: Individual Explanations of Terrorism
Week 9: The Funding of Terrorism
Week 10: Responding to Terrorism Threats and Challenges
Week 11: The Canadian Response to Terrorism - Policy and Practice
Week 12: Terrorizing the Future - The Future of Terrorism
What You Will Learn
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.
Notes
The Faculty of OLCD recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.Recommended For
- Police officers
- Public safety professionals
- Corporate security professionals
- Crime analysts
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Police Leadership : Elective