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PSA 425: Counteracting Terrorism

Course Description

This course will focus on the history of terrorism, the current issues, along with the shortcomings and possible solutions for public safety preparedness. The course will also examine American homeland security at all levels. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Analyze in depth the history, goals, and modern concept of terrorism.
  2. Evaluate the role that religion, taken to extremes, plays in terrorism.
  3. Examine the motivations and strategies of domestic terrorism groups.
  4. Analyze the effectiveness of federal, state, and local programs to combat terrorism.
  5. Develop a plan to prepare for and respond to a simulated terrorism incident.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (10 points each, Weeks 1 – 4)

60%

Discussion (5 points, Week 5)

10%

SWOT Project (30 points, Week 5)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Martin, Gus. Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues. 8th ed. Sage Publishing, 2025. ISBN-13: 9781071919965

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignments

1

1

Topics: History and Definitions

  • Read and Review:
    • Read Chapters 1 - 5
    • Read document: FBI: Domestic Terrorism: Definitions, Terminology, and Methodology
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Read assigned document
  • Participate in the discussions
  • Submit SWOT Topic to Week 1 SWOT Project Selection discussion forum

2

2

Topics: Religion and Terrorism

  • Read and Review:
    • Read Chapters 6 and 8
    • Review website: Terrorist Organizations – The World Factbook
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review assigned website
  • Participate in the discussions
  • Begin to work on the outline for the Week 5 – Final SWOT Project

3

3

Topic: Domestic Terrorism

  • Read and Review:
    • Read Chapters 7 and 12
    • Review the website: Understanding and Conceptualizing Domestic Terrorism: Issues for Congress – Library of Congress
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review assigned website
  • Participate in the discussions
  • Begin to work on the first draft of the Week 5 – Final SWOT Project

4

4

Topic: Homeland Security

  • Read and Review:
    • Read Chapter 13 and 14
    • Read document: Homeland Threat Assessment 2025 – Office of Intelligence and Analysis
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Read assigned document
  • Participate in the discussions
  • Continue to work on the draft and begin to finalize the Week 5 – Final SWOT Project

5

5

Topic: SWOT Project and Course Conclusion

  • Read and Review:
    • Read Chapter 15
    • Read document: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FY 2025 Annual Evaluation Plan
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Read assigned document
  • Participate in the discussions
  • Submit the Week 5 – Final SWOT Project to the Week 5 – SWOT and Course Conclusion forum for discussion
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.