SOC511 - War and Terrorism

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:09:24.933
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:06.42

Subject Title
War and Terrorism

Subject Description
The term terrorism has become a central part of everyday life. We hear about it on TV, we read about it on the internet and we think about it, like it or not, every time we board a plane. But what is terrorism exactly, who decides and why does it matter? These challenging questions form the foundation for this introductory course to terrorism. Building from an exploration of the relationship between power and language, students will examine the historical evolution of contemporary terrorism, paying particular attention to the root causes, enabling frameworks, aims, methods and consequences of terrorist activity. The course will conclude by reflecting on the apparent tension between fighting the war on terror and preserving civil rights.

Credit Status
One Liberal Studies credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Explain Nietzsches concept of perspectivism and critically apply it to the phenomenon of terrorism.
2. Explain and critically assess the legal difference between terrorist acts and ordinary criminal acts.
3. Explain and critically apply Foucaults understanding of the relationship between power and discourse.
4. Provide and critically assess conventional definitions for the terms war, genocide and terrorism.
5. Explain and critically apply Arendts distinction between power and violence.
6. Explain and critically apply Gramscis concept of ideological hegemony.
7. Provide a general explanation of the origins and historical evolution of terrorism.
8. Critically discuss the evolution of political violence during The Short Twentieth Century (1914-1991).
9. Describe and explain the significance of the Cold War Era in terms of contemporary terrorism.
10. Critically discuss the historical origin, position and political significance of the Third World.
11. Critically discuss the relationship between globalization and terrorism.
12. Identify the core principles of liberal democratic ideology and assess their relevance with respect to global conflict.

13. Critically discuss the relationship between terrorism and religion, political ideology and nationalism.
14. Define and critically discuss the role of indoctrination in contemporary terrorism.
15. Define and critically discuss the phenomenon of Homegrown Terrorism.
16. Identify and explain the primary methods used to finance terrorism.
17. Define and critically discuss conventional, biological, chemical, nuclear and electronic weaponry.
18. Critically discuss the relationship between political culture, discourse and the media.
19. Explain the tension between the war on terror and the protection of civil rights.
20. Explain and critically apply Arendts concept of the juridical person.
21. Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of anti-terrorism legislation using concrete examples.
22. Explain the concept of civil society and its relationship to the phenomenon of terrorism.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
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