M. Turetzky
Pols 5/AJ5, Spring 2016
Name _________________________________________
Take-Home Exam I
This is the first Exam of the Spring 2016 Semester, covering the first four weeks of class
(What is terrorism, the roots of terrorism, ideology and terrorism, domestic terrorism, who
are the terrorists).
Exam I is due, IN CLASS, on M, 3/21 (two weeks). It is worth 10% of your overall grade.
Exam details are listed below:
You can use ANYTHING—the class textbooks, online lectures, websites, etc—OTHER than your
colleagues in the class—to answer questions. I just ask that you do your OWN work, so if I see
signs you have collaborated with someone else in the class, you will BOTH fail the test.
You should therefore use the Combs and Virtual Reader texts as well as the online lectures
and class discussion notes.
I am looking for answers that contain critical analysis, substance/depth AND opinion. I am
therefore looking for research support and a bibliography/citations to under gird your own opinions.
If I see only opinion, little substance, and no research support, you will do poorly.
**Exams must be typed...1 inch margins, 12 point font, double spacing**
I need to see a bibliography AND citations within the body of the paper: the more citations
the better.
Example of a citation: According to Cindy Combs (2013: 35), "Marc Turetzky is a horrible, evil
human being committed to the violent overthrow of Gavilan College. The man is a TERRORIST
and therefore needs to be stopped, with EXTREME PREJUDICE.”
You have 2 weeks to complete this test. Again it is due, IN CLASS, on M, 3/21. Good luck. If
you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me (via email, office phone or in person).
______________________________________________________________________________
Essays (2 essays, 50 points each = 100 points total): make sure to answer each part of
every question, write in complete sentences using proper English grammar, and develop
your answers as fully as possible. Structure your answer in classic essay format
(introduction, body, conclusion). If you expect to do well on this section make sure to use
logic, critical reasoning, evidence, and support. Also make sure to fully develop your ideas
and to take your critical reasoning to their logical end points.
1) What is terrorism? Is it possible to explain what a typical terrorist looks like? If not, why not?
How do people who commit terrorist acts justify their actions? How do some theorists/experts
theoretically explain terrorism? In your mind, is terrorism justifiable? If yes, provide examples...
2) Which theory of terrorism makes the most sense to you and why (make sure to explain AND
analyze its strengths and weaknesses)?