Understanding Terrorism Course Overview Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Department of Psychology University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14260-4110 www.PsychologyofTerrorism.com Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Difficult Subject to ‘Teach’ Emotionally ‘charged’ topic • strongly conflicting points of view • psychologically disturbing material Requires parallel instead of linear information processing Lacks adequate ‘answers’ to important questions Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Approach Background lectures by professor Extensive writing assignments for thought focusing Open discussion of selected topics Introduction to the central issues and to the methods of analysis (“soft” psychology approach) rather than a traditional academic course Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objectives To develop an understanding of and a sensitivity to the socialpolitical conditions that spawn terrorism To briefly examine terrorism in a historic context To identify the most serious contemporary terrorist threats Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objects continued To examine the methods of terrorism To explore the psychological processes that create a terrorist To examine the psychological impact of terrorist activities Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Objectives continued To encourage creative problemsolving to counter terrorism To prepare To survive To Endure the current terrorist threat to the United States Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Secondary Objectives Learn how to interact effectively with people with whom you disagree Learn how to obtain the most reliable information Learn more about potential terrorist weapons and response preparedness Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Secondary Objectives continued Learn how to listen to opposing views more effectively Develop better analytical skills Develop better anger management skills Your opinion Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Classroom Behavior and Beyond The usual rules of classroom behavior are applicable • arrive on-time & don’t 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) Some additional rules also apply Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules 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) Move on! (The discussion of this topic is over.) • time or temper may limit some discussions • the “move on” command ends the topic Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules continued Las Vegas Rule (“What happens here stays here.”) • recording devices are prohibited • no continuation of arguments outside of classroom No place for political correctness • everyone will have an equal opportunity to be offended Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Ground Rules continued Classroom discussions are discussions not student lectures • you have limited time to make your point — use it effectively • listen attentively to other person’s point of view — process the information and be willing to change (i.e., learn) from your new experience • think before rebutting someone’s position — keep the rebuttal logical Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Class Format Background lecture & material Focus questions assigned for most class periods • professor’s introductory comments • open discussion of focus questions • professor’s summary & comments New focus questions assigned Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Requirements Considerable reading (and thinking) on class topics Short, twice-weekly essays addressing assigned focus questions Annotated bibliography Term paper Regular class attendance Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Grade 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 Annotated bibliography (10%) Term paper (20%) Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Focus Questions (70%) Usually two questions for each twice-weekly class period Approximately 150-300 words per question Primarily thought stimulating, with research & references optional Typewritten single-spaced and submitted as hardcopy Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Annotated Bibliography (10%) 15 to 20 articles Typewritten with full bibliographic information Brief annotations • 1/2 to 1 single-spaced page per source (or longer as necessary) • summary with brief critique & other notes Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Term Paper (20%) Typewritten APA style Length 15-20 double-spaced pages Referenced as appropriate Scholarly standards consistent with senior undergraduate seminar (i.e., the best work one can do after 4 years of university education) Emphasis on logic and composition Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. “X-Rating” 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 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units Overview of Terrorism Historic Roots of Terrorism • Brief history of terrorism • Historic roots of modern terrorists Terrorist Weapons & Tactics Terrorism and the Media: Amplifying the Terrorists' Impact (unwilling partners) Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units continued Information Sources: Discerning Facts from Fiction Psychological Impact of Terrorism Genesis of Terrorism Understanding the Terrorist: Any value in psychological profiling? Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Units continued National, Regional, and Individual Preparedness for Terrorist Attacks Developing Effective CounterTerrorist Strategies Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Course Orientation 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 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Focus Question Set #1 What is terrorism? 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 source—avoid plagiarism! Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. The course syllabus is available online at: www.PsychologyofTerrorism.com/PsyTerror.html Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.