Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.
Understanding Terrorism
Course Overview
Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.Department of Psychology
University at BuffaloBuffalo, 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 social-political 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
To examine the methods of terrorism
To explore the psychological processes that create a terrorist
To examine the psychological impact of terrorist activities
continued
Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.
Course Objectives
To encourage creative problem-solving to counter terrorism
To prepare
To survive
To Endure
the current terrorist threat to the United States
continued
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
Learn how to listen to opposing views more effectively
Develop better analytical skills Develop better anger management
skills
continued
Your opinion
Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.
Classroom Behaviorand 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
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
continued
Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.
Ground Rules
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
continued
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
Information Sources: Discerning Facts from Fiction
Psychological Impact of Terrorism Genesis of Terrorism Understanding the Terrorist: Any
value in psychological profiling?
continued
Copyright 2005-2008 Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D.
Course Units
National, Regional, and Individual Preparedness for Terrorist Attacks
Developing Effective Counter-Terrorist Strategies
continued
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