S Y L L A B U S y y l l a b u s - Welcome€¦ · F a l l 2015 E X A M I N I N G T E R R O R I S T...

S Y L L A B U S y

F a l l 2 0 1 5

E X A M I N I N G T E R R O R I S T G R O U P S

G e o r g e M a s o n U n i v e r s i t y

School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs

B I O D 7 2 2

Professor: C harl es P. Blair

V e r s i o n 1 . 0 1

“To study anything properly, one must put aside ethical judgements”

Jacques Ellul 2

OVERVIEW

Welcome to BIOD 722: “Examining Terrorist Groups.”

Weekly topics and related items begin on the following pages. Please note:

Each week’s class summary possesses the table above. The table’s first row indicates the course’s 14 weekly classes; the second row offers related hyperlinks; row three indicates class dates (“class” due dates are treated as if class takes place on Thursdays); row four summarizes weekly content; graded responsibilities are found in row five; and row six offers hyperlinks to this document’s appendices. (See page immediately below).

The syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified of relevant alterations in the “Syllabus” section of Blackboard.

Announcements take place via Blackboard only. You are responsible for being aware of all the information contained in announcements.

Four appendices appear at the end of the syllabus. Read them thoroughly and remain mindful of their requirements; it is your responsibility to understand and satisfy these obligations. They are as follows:

1 BIOD 709: Syllabus, Version 1.0, last updated: August 29, 2015.

2 Jacques Ellul, Propaganda: The Formation of Men’s Attitudes (Vintage Books: New York, 1965), p. 32.

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE

FLE FRE FRE Anarchy / Tech

Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults

5th Wave? Conclusion

Prompt I Prompt II Prompt III Midterm Prompt IV Prompt V Final

Appendix I: Course Description Appendix II: Materials, Assignments, and Grading Appendix III: Important Numbers Appendix IV: University Policies

S y l l a b u s

&

2

Appendix I: Course Description

Appendix II: Course Materials, Assignments & Grading Metrics

Appendix III: Instructor Information and Important Numbers

Appendix IV: University Policies

In a Nut Shell: Course Overview:

Week/Date Topics Assignments

Week 1: September 3 Course Overview; Definitions, Classifications, History of Terrorism, Far-Left Extremism (FLE)

NA (Extra Credit is available, see

below)

Week 2: September 10 Ethno-Nationalist / Separatist, FLE continued, Group Factors

Prompt I (due 09/10*)

Week 3: September 17 FLE continued, Group Factors continued Prompt II (due 09/17*)

Week 4: September 24 Far-Right Extremism (FRE) NA

Week 5: October 1 FRE Continued, Group Factors continued Prompt III (due 10/01*)

Week 6: October 8 Neo-Anarchism: Anti-Technology Extremism

NA

Week 7: October 15 Neo-Anarchism: Anti-Technology Extremism continued

Midterm (due10/15*)

Week 8: October 22 Attack Modalities in Action NA

Week 9: October 29 Attack Modalities in Action Prompt IV (due 10/29*)

Week 10: November 5 Violent Islamists NA

Week 11: November 12 Violent Islamists and Soldiers of Zion Prompt V (due 11/12*)

Week 12: November 19 Cults NA

Week 13: December 3 The Fifth Wave of Terrorism? NA

Week 14: December 10 Conclusion Final (due 12/14*)

*Due no later than 7 p.m. Post to > Blackboard > Discussion Forum.

3

WEEK 1 – September 3, 2015

T O P I C S :

INTRODUCTIONS; COURSE OVERVIEW; DEFINITIONS & CLASSIFICATIONS, HISTORY OF TERRORISM I; FAR-LEFT EXTREMISM (FRE)

O v e r v i e w :

Our first class focuses on introductions and a detailed overview of the course. Related readings (see below) include an overview of terrorism (Hoffman readings) and salient variants of far-left extremism (FRE) (i.e., Rosebraugh readings). Begin by viewing the two lectures, then conduct the readings in the order they appear. Finally, watch the video – “100 Year of Terrorism.”

O b j e c t i v e s :

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Assimilate the content and navigation of the course syllabus.

Comprehend how to navigate Blackboard vis-à-vis this course.

Become acquainted with weekly topics and requirements, including writing, reading and viewing assignments (e.g., replies to Prompts); the midterm; course final; and grading metrics.

Understand key elements of the Environmental Liberation Front (ELF).

R e m i n d e r s / E x t r a - C r e d i t O p p o r t u n i t i e s :

Prompt I: due next week (no later than 7 p.m., 09/11). See Week 2 for directions.

For two extra-credit points, post your Bio on Blackboard (no later than 7 p.m. Thursday 9/3. See Blackboard > Discussion Board.

For one extra-credit point (due no later than 7 p.m. Thursday 9/10), post a question to Blackboard’s Discussion Forum based on the following parameters:

Dr. Sayed Hassan Hussaini (Akhlaq), a Shia’ religious scholar (Hujjatu l-Islām wa l-Muslimīn) – has agreed to guest lecture. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from an objective scholar of Islam – one born in Afghanistan, subsequently living and studying in Iran. I encourage you to read his recent journal article (see Blackboard >

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




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4

Forum Discussion > Blair Post > Attachment) and ask a brief question. While he won’t be able to get to all the questions, your input will help guide his lecture (your one point extra-credit question is not dependent on its ultimate use by Dr. Hassan). Obviously, only topical questions meet this requirement; however, feel free to posit any relevant query (e.g., “Is Islam inherently violent?” “What does jihad really mean?” “How much does theology drive Iran’s leaders?” “How ideologically compatible are Iran’s leaders and other certain (fill in the blank) terrorist group(s)?” Etc. I’ve asked him some pretty blunt / relatively ridiculous questions; he patiently answers them. Again, post to Blackboard’s Discussion Forum no later than 7 p.m. 9/10.

G r a d e d a s s i g n m e n t s :

NA

L e c t u r e s :

Lecture 1.1: Bearings / Getting Started

Course Elements / Succeeding in this Course

R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

David C. Rapoport, “The Four Waves of Modern Terrorism, Anthropoetics 8, no. 1 (Spring / Summer 2002).

o Available on > Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 1 > Readings

o Also available at: http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/ap0801/terror.htm

o Note: Consult this Key Overview of Rapoport’s “Four Waves:” https://prezi.com/j5cptnaaxcsf/the-four-waves-of-terrorism-by-david-c-rapoport-2004/

“Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure,” 14-17 and 95-98. https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/341566.pdf

Hoffman, Inside Terrorism, ix – 41. (Required text)

Rosebraugh, Burning Rage of a Dying Planet, ix-71. (Required text)

V i d e o :

100 Years of Terrorism (46 minutes)

http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1796413

TOP / Home Links

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/ap0801/terror.htm

https://prezi.com/j5cptnaaxcsf/the-four-waves-of-terrorism-by-david-c-rapoport-2004/

https://prezi.com/j5cptnaaxcsf/the-four-waves-of-terrorism-by-david-c-rapoport-2004/

https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/341566.pdf


5

WEEK 2 – September 10, 2015

T O P I C S : HISTORY OF TERRORISM II, ETHNO-NATIONALIST / SEPERATIST GROUPS, AND FAR-LEFT EXTREMISM (FLE),

DEFINITIONS, AND CONTEXTUALIZATION,

O v e r v i e w :

As evidence in this week’s readings (i.e., Hoffman), we continue with an overview of terrorism. Addressed as well are ethno-nationalist / separatist groups and far-left extremists (FLE). We also begin our exploration of VNSA Group Factors – a central element of the course.

O b j e c t i v e s :

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Delineate salient violent ethno-nationalist groups and FLE

Recognize, delineate, and apply preliminary VNSA Group Factors

R e m i n d e r ( s ) :

Prompt I (see below) is due no later than 7 p.m. 09/10. Post on Blackboard > Discussion Forum > Prompt 1

L e c t u r e :

Group Factors 1

N O T E : O r d e r o f M a t e r i a l

The most effective way to handle this week’s material is as follows:

First: Look at Prompt 1 below. At this stage it probably won’t make much sense; however, it will after conducting steps 2-6 below.

Second: Read “Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure” (see Readings below).

Third: Familiarize yourself with, “VNSA Group Factors Internal” (see Readings below).

Fourth: View the Lecture: Group Factors 1 (see Readings below).

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




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6

Fifth: Conduct the Hoffman and Rosebraugh (see Readings below)

Sixth: Scan the Selected VNSA Incidents paying close attention to “Ideology” and “Organization Structure.” (see Readings below).

Seventh: Watch the two videos (see below).

Finally, contemplate and compose your response to Prompt 1. (return to Prompt 1 below).

R e a d i n g s :

“Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure:” o Group Factors: 20-45, 64-67 and 74-78. https://e-reports-

ext.llnl.gov/pdf/341566.pdf

Hoffman, Inside Terrorism, 41-80. (Required text)

Rosebraugh, Burning Rage of a Dying Planet, 72-131 (Required text)

VNSA Group Factors Internal(See Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 2 > Readings)

Assessing Terrorist Motivations for Attacking Critical Infrastructure, 67-74, “Chukaku-Ha,” https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/341566.pdf

V i d e o s :

ETA: A History of Basque Nationalist Terrorism (27 minutes) http://digital.films.com.mutex.gmu.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=39836

The PLO (26 minutes) http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1791902

A s s i g n m e n t :

PROMPT I:

Based on the readings / videos so far, and using the “VNSA Group Factors” reading and lecture (see above) as a guide, do the following:

Pick any two groups explored so far. Delineate and illustrate the following VNSA Group Factors for each:

Ideology. Include the following sub-factors: “World View” and “Grand Strategy” and, if discernable, group norms.

Organizational Structure. When possible, include the following sub-factors: 1) how the groups’ structure might look in paper; 2) group size (overall or at various points in time); 3) degree of centralization; 4) any other salient Organizational Structure sub-factors (word count allowing).

Directions and More:

Grade: Your response represents five (5) percent of your final grade. Grading metrics for your response to Prompts are available here.

Length: ~500 words (no more than 550 and no less than 450).

TOP / Home Links




http://digital.films.com.mutex.gmu.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=39836


7

Due: No later than 09/10 by 7 p.m.

Submission: Post to: Blackboard > Discussion Board > Prompt 1

TOP / Home Links

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WEEK 3: September 17, 2015

T O P I C :

FLE CONTINUED, GROUP FACTORS CONTINUED

O v e r v i e w :

We continue our exploration of the history of VNSA (Hoffman) and FLE.

R e m i n d e r s :

Your response to Prompt II (see below) is due no later than 09/16 by 9 PM.

Week 2 Expert for a Day discussion leaders: TBD

L e c t u r e :

Group Factors 2

R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

Hoffman, Inside Terrorism, 173-195. (Required text)

Rosebraugh, Burning Rage of a Dying Planet, 132-272 (Required text)

Flukiger, “The Radical Animal Liberation Movement: Some Reflections on Its Future.” http://muse.jhu.edu.mutex.gmu.edu/journals/journal_for_the_study_of_radicalism/v002/2.2.flukiger.pdf


PROMPT II:

Using any of the sources explored so far, describe, compare and, contrast 1-2 ethno-nationalist groups with one left-wing group (at least one group cannot be a repeat from your Prompt 1 reply).

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

http://muse.jhu.edu.mutex.gmu.edu/journals/journal_for_the_study_of_radicalism/v002/2.2.flukiger.pdf

http://muse.jhu.edu.mutex.gmu.edu/journals/journal_for_the_study_of_radicalism/v002/2.2.flukiger.pdf

9

Among other salient group factors, whenever possible, make sure to address the following:

Ideology

Organizational Structure

Organizational Dynamics

Organizational Lifecycle Status

Demographics

Resources

Operational Capabilities

Directions and More:

Grade: Your response represents ten (10) percent of your final grade. Grading metrics for your response to Prompts are available here.


Due: No later than 09/10 by 7 p.m.


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WEEK 4: September 24, 2015

T O P I C :

FAR-RIGHT EXTREMISM (FRE)


NA

L e c t u r e

Tentative, FRE: Overview. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 4 Tentative, The Order. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 4

V i d e o ( s )

TBD R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

Goodrick-Clarke, Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity, 1-51. (Required text)

Macdonald, The Turner Diaries, Forward – 79. (Required text)

Stern, Terror in the Name of God, 9-31, 147-171. (Required text)

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

11

WEEK 5: October 1, 2015

T O P I C :

FRE CONTINUED, GROUP FACTORS CONTINUED

R e m i n d e r s :

Your response to Prompt III is due no later than 09/30 by 9 PM.

Your midterm is due in two weeks – no later than 9 PM 10/15. Post to Blackboard > Discussion Board as a Word attachment.


PROMPT III: Prompt 3

Explore the foundations and incarnations of two types of far-right extremism (FRE). One of the “types” (in this case, fictional) must be drawn from the Turner Diaries. Among other salient group factors, whenever possible, make sure to address the following:

Ideology (this should be a primary focus of t he Prompt)

Organizational Structure (when applicable)

Organizational Dynamics (when applicable)

Demographics (when applicable)

Resources (when applicable)

Factors External to the Group:

1. Historical Context, Events, and Precedents

2. Relations with External Actors (when applicable)

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

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Grade: Your response represents five (15) percent of your final grade. Grading metrics for your response to Prompts are available here.


Due: No later than 09/30 by 9 PM.


L e c t u r e s :

Group Factors Continued. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 5

V i d e o

Oklahoma City - TBD

R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

Goodrick-Clarke, Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity, 72-106, 232-256, 279-306. (Required text)

Gardell, Gods of the Blood, 1-136, 165-258, 284-343. (Required text)

Macdonald, The Turner Diaries, 80-211. (Required text)

R E C O M M E N D E D Elohim City. (See Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 6 > Readings)

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T O P I C : NEO-ANARCHISM: ANTI-TECHNOLOGY EXTREMISM

R e m i n d e r s :

Midterm is due in one week.

L e c t u r e :

Anti-Technology Extremism. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 6


NA

R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

Kaczynski and Skrbina, Technological Slavery, pp. 9-120.

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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

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W E E K 7 : October 15, 2015

T O P I C :

NEO-ANARCHISM: ANTI-TECHNOLOGY EXTREMISM CONTINUED

R e m i n d e r s :

Midterm is due this week; no later than 7 p.m. 10/15 (post as Word doc to Blackboard Discussion Board).

L e c t u r e :

Anti-Technology Extremism. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 6


Midterm is due this week; no later than 7 p.m. 10/15 (post as Word doc to Blackboard Discussion Board).

R e a d i n g s :

R E Q U I R E D

Kaczynski and Skrbina, Technological Slavery, pp. 193-414.

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

15


T O P I C :

ATTACK MODALITES IN ACTION

A s s i g n m e n t s :

NA

V i d e o s

• Video: London Terrorist Attacks (25 minutes). http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1792932?play=1

• Video: Japanese Sarin Cult (26 minutes). http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1792086

Video: The Assassination of Lord Louis Mountbatten. (26 minutes) http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1791757?play=1

R e a d i n g s

R E Q U I R E D

Selected VNSA Incidents Factors & Modalities, 33-50, 59-72 (See Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 8 > Readings).

Additional readings: TBD

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

http://search.alexanderstreet.com.mutex.gmu.edu/view/work/1792932?play=1



16


T O P I C :

ATTACK MODALITIES IN ACTION

R e m i n d e r s :

Prompt IV is due no later than 7 p.m. 10/29.

R e a d i n g s :

Anders Breivik: TBD

1995 Tokyo Subway: TBD


Prompt IV

Using relevant “Attack Modalities,” delineate two specific VNSA attacks: one of your choice (from any of the class materials to date), the other drawn from the attack on FBI Headquarters as fictionalized in The Turner Diaries. For a student example of Attack Modalities “in action,” see: Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 8


Length: ~ 700 words (no less than 600, no more than 725)



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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

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W E E K 1 0 : N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 5

T O P I C :

VIOLENT ISLAMISTS


NA

L e c t u r e ( s ) :

Dr. Sayed Hassan Q & A: Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 10

V i d e o ( s ) :

TBD

R e q u i r e d R e a d i n g s :

Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, 3-175. (Assigned Text)

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9/03 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 12/3 12/10

Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

18

WEEK 11: November 12, 2015

T O P I C :

VIOLENT ISLAMIST CONTINUED, SOLDIERS OF ZION

R e m i n d e r s :

Your response to Prompt V is due no later than 11/12 by 7 p.m.

Final is due in three weeks, no later than 12/14 by 7 p.m.

L e c t u r e ( s ) :

Dr. Sayed Hassan and Instructor: Violent Islamists. Blackboard > Weekly Modules >

Week 11.

V i d e o :

TBD (possibly: Inside the Global Jihad (50 minutes)


R e a d i n g s :

Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, 176 -373. (Assigned Text)

Jessica E. Stern, Terror in the Name of God, 85 -106. (Assigned Text)


Prompt V

Using all (relevant) “Attack Modalities,” delineate two specific VNSA attacks (not to include the two attacks you used in Prompt IV). This might be a very good time to use information found in the Wright Book – The Looming Tower!


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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links


19

Length: ~ 700 words (no less than 600, no more than 725)



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20

WEEK 12: November 19, 2015

T O P I C :

CULTS

R e m i n d e r s :

Final is due in a little over two weeks: no later than 12/14 by 7 p.m.

L e c t u r e :

Religious Cults. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 12

V i d e o :

“Cult Witness: A Study of Cultic Experience.” (70 minutes) http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1844&xtid=42203

R e a d i n g s :

Rajneeshees. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 12 > Readings

Jeffrey M. Bale, “The Cult Wars,” Parts 1 and 2. Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Week 12 > Readings

Additional reading to be assigned – Aum Shinrikyo.


NA

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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1844&xtid=42203

http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1844&xtid=42203

21

WEEK 13: December 3, 2015

T O P I C :

THE FIFTH WAVE OF TERRORISM?

R e m i n d e r s :

Final is due no later than 12/14 by 7 p.m.

L e c t u r e ( s ) :

The Fifth Wave of Terrorism: Is Forecasting Possible?

V i d e o :

TBD

R e a d i n g s :

Hoffman, 257-297 (Required Text)

Additional Readings: TBD


NA

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Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

22

WEEK 14: December 10, 2015

T O P I C :

CONCLUSION

O v e r v i e w :

TBD R e m i n d e r s :

The Final is due no later than 12/14 by 9 PM


You final paper is due this week.

Grade: Your response represents twenty- five (25) percent of your final grade. Instructions and grading metrics for the final are available here.

Due: No later than 9 PM 12/14.

Submission: Blackboard (in Word format) R e a d i n g s :

TBD

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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

23

A P P E N D I C E S

APPENDIX I: COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course involves the study of terrorist organizations, largely from the “inside out.” The course investigates salient group types including ethno-nationalist, far-left, far-right, conspiracy orientated, religious (including cults), so-called “neo-anarchists,” as well as so-called “lone-wolves” and other emerging / possible threats. Many specific groups fall into two or more of these categories. Included as well are case studies of specific terrorist groups, cells, and individuals. Special topics include ideology, other group factors, attack modalities, and creation of semi-fictional terrorist groups and their attacks.

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Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




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24

APPENDIX II: MATERIALS, ASSIGNMENTS, AND METRICS REQUIRED TEXTS:

Terror in the Name of God: Why Religious Militants Kill Author: Jessica Stern ISBN-10: 0060505338 ISBN-13: 978-0060505332 Publisher: Harper Perennial (2004)

Burning Rage of a Dying Planet: Speaking for the Earth Liberation Front Author(s): Craig Rosebraugh ISBN-10: 1590560647 ISBN-13: 978-1590560648 Publisher: Lantern Books (September 2004)

Technological Slavery: The Collected Writings of Theodore J. Kaczynski, a.k.a. "The Unabomber Author: Theodore J. Kaczynski and David J. Skrbina ISBN-10: 1932595805 ISBN-13: 978-1932595802 Publisher: Feral House (2010)

Inside Terrorism Note: Revised & enlarged edition Author: Bruce Hoffman ISBN-10: 0231126999 ISBN-13: 978-0231126991 Publisher: Columbia University Press (2006)

The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 Author(s): Lawrence Wright ISBN-10: 1400030846 ISBN-13: 978-1400030842

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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




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Publisher: Knopf (2006) The Turner Diaries

Note: Any edition is fine (first published in book format in 1978) Author(s): Andrew MacDonald ISBN-10: 1569800863 ISBN-13: 978-1569800867 Publisher: Barricade Books (1996)

Gods of the Blood: The Pagan Revival and White Separatism

Author(s): Mattias Gardell ISBN-10: 0822330717 ISBN-13: 978-0822330714 Publisher: (2003)

Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity

Author: Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke ISBN-10: 0814731554 ISBN-13: 978-0814731550 Publisher: NYU Press (2003)

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: INSTRUCTOR’S POLICY

You are welcome to turn assignments in late. The penalty is a 10 percent daily subtraction from the maximum score possible. If the assignment is turned in the day it is due, but after the assigned time, it is automatically considered one day late (i.e., 10 percent is subtracted). After 24 hours, it is considered two days late (i.e., 20 percent is subtracted), etc.

A NOTE ON WORKLOAD

I appreciate that many students work demanding jobs and that it may be difficult to complete all of the reading for each week. The goal for the weekly workload for the course is 8 to 9 hours, with about 75 percent of your time devoted to reading and 25 percent of your time devoted to writing. That means you should plan to be reading somewhere between 5 and 6.5 hours each week. With regard to any week you might fall behind in the readings: as long as you are able to provide high quality responses to the Prompts, or other assignments, or both, and I can tell you are engaging the guts of the readings, I won’t ask you how many pages you read!

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26

GRADING METRICS

Basis for Final Grade

1. Replies to Prompts X 5: 50 points 2. Midterm (due 10/15): 20 points 3. Final(due 12/14): 30 points

LETTER GRADES & POINTS

100 -94 points = A

93 - 90 points = A-

89 - 87 points = B+

86 - 84 points = B

83 - 80 points = B-

79 - 77 points = C+

76 - 74 points = C

73 - 70 points = C-

ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

1. Replies to Prompts

Overview Collectively, replies to Prompts equal a maximum of 50 points. Replies to Prompts are straight-forward. For five of the fourteen weeks, I supply a question(s) with regard to readings, lectures, videos, etc. Student replies are posted to Blackboard (Blackboard > Discussion Board > Prompts).

Replies are due on the following dates (all by 7 p.m.) Prompt 1: Week 2 (09/10) – 5 points Prompt 2: Week 3 (09/17) – 10 points Prompt 3: Week 5 (10/01) – 15 points

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Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




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27

Prompt 4: Week 8 (10/29) – 10 points Prompt 5: Week 10 (11/12) – 10 points)

Scoring & Criteria In sum, responses to Prompts equal up to 50 points. Each Prompt has a maximum of 5, 10, or 15 points. 5, 10, or 15 points: Excellent reply; sharp insight (reflecting all relevant readings and other material for that week); articulate; superior writing ability; post is an example for others to follow. 4, 8-9, or 13-15 points: Good reply (reflects almost all relevant readings and other material for that week); thoughts are clearly written; solid execution. 3, 7, 11-12 points: Satisfactory reply (reflects some of the relevant readings and other material for that week); post communicates at generally acceptable level; displays passable understanding of that week’s concepts; average work. 2, 5-6, 8-10 points: Quality of reply is below average and largely unacceptable. 0-1, 0-4, 1-7 points: Quality of reply is entirely unacceptable.

2. Midterm

Details

1. Your final is due no later than 7 p.m. 10/15. 2. Length: no more than four pages (single spaced)

3. For mandatory style guidelines: Blackboard > Midterm 4. The final equals a maximum of 20 points.

Topic: Using all Internal and External Group Factors3 – including their sub-factors), construct a fictitious VNSA – a “VNSA Profile.”

o When made available by me (Professor Blair), see sample VNSA Profiles > Blackboard > Midterm

Scoring & Criteria

Worth a maximum of 20 points, scoring metrics are as follows:

19-20 Points: TBD

3 Pages 1-8 of “VNSA Group Factors.” Do not include Decision Making Factors or anything else thereafter – we’re only

interested in “Factors Internal to the Group” and “External Considerations.” Note: Sample Profiles my contain elements that

go beyond what is called for in your midterm (e.g, Decision Making Factors). Disregard them. The same is true for sample

profiles that exclude elements of “Factors Internal to the Group” and “External Considerations.” You still need to include

them in your VNSA Profile.

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17-18 Points: TBD

15-16 Points: TBD

13-14 Points: TBD

11-12 Points: Bordering on a war crime.

0-10 Points (C + - F) Entirely unacceptable.

3. Final

Details

1. Your final is due no later than 7 p.m. 12/14. 2. Length: no more than six pages (single spaced)

3. For mandatory style guidelines: Blackboard > Midterm 4. The final equals a maximum of 30 points.

Topic: Using all Internal and External Group Factors4 – including their sub-factors), construct a fictitious VNSA – a “VNSA Profile.”

o When made available by me (Professor Blair), see sample Final > Blackboard > Midterm

Scoring & Criteria

Worth a maximum of 30 points, scoring metrics are as follows:

27-30 Points:

TBD

23-26 Points:

TBD

19-22 Points:

TBD

15-18 Points:

Bordering on a crime against humanity

0-14 Points Entirely unacceptable.

4 Pages 1-8 of “VNSA Group Factors.” Do not include Decision Making Factors or anything else thereafter – we’re only

interested in “Factors Internal to the Group” and “External Considerations.” Note: Sample Profiles my contain elements that

go beyond what is called for in your midterm (e.g, Decision Making Factors). Disregard them. The same is true for sample

profiles that exclude elements of “Factors Internal to the Group” and “External Considerations.” You still need to include

them in your VNSA Profile.

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APPENDIX III: LINKS, NAMES, NUMBERS, OFFICE HOURS, ETC.

Instructor: Charles P Blair

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 202 510 2802

Office Hours: By appointment

BIO: http://advanced.jhu.edu/about-us/faculty/charles-p-blair/

Blackboard: https://mymasonportal.gmu.edu

Academic Calendar: http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/fall-2015/ Exam Calendar (Tuesday, 12/15/15 – 7:30 – 1015 am):

http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/fall-2015/exams/ Weather Emergency Phone Line: 703-993-1000 (“The announcement will be made on the

university switchboard and the University’s web site.” Emergency Notices Web Page: http://esgwebproxy.johnshopkins.edu/notice/

Mason Alert Emergency Notification System: http://ready.gmu.edu/masonalert/

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Intro, FLE

Ethno, FLE


Anarchy / Tech

Attacks: In Action

Attacks: In Action

Violent Islamists

Violent Islamists

Religious Cults




TOP / Home Links

http://advanced.jhu.edu/about-us/faculty/charles-p-blair/

https://mymasonportal.gmu.edu/

http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/fall-2015/

http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/fall-2015/exams/

http://www.gmu.edu/

http://esgwebproxy.johnshopkins.edu/notice/

http://ready.gmu.edu/masonalert/

30

Appendix IV: University Policies

Academic Integrity Students must be responsible for their own work, and students and faculty must take on the responsibility of dealing explicitly with violations. This tenet must be a primary pillar of our university culture. [See http://oai.gmu.edu/ ]. Honor Code Students must adhere to the guidelines of the George Mason University Honor Code [See http://www.gmu.edu/academics/catalog/9798/honorcod.html ]. MasonLive/Email Students are responsible for the content of university communications sent to their George Mason University email account and are required to activate their account and check it regularly. All communication from the university, college, school, and program will be sent to students solely through their Mason email account. [See https://masonlivelogin.gmu.edu/login ]. Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities who seek accommodations in a course must be registered with the George Mason University Office of Disability Services (ODS) and inform their instructor, in writing, at the beginning of the semester [See http://ods.gmu.edu]. University Libraries University Libraries provides resources for distance students. [See http://library.gmu.edu/distance]. Writing Center The George Mason University Writing Center staff provides a variety of resources and services (e.g., tutoring, workshops, writing guides, and handbooks) intended to support students as they work to construct and share knowledge through writing. [See http://writingcenter.gmu.edu]. Counseling and Psychological Services The George Mason University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff consists of professional counseling and clinical psychologists, social workers, and counselors who offer a

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T: I Theory:

II

Theory:

III

Theory

III: C

Theory

IV: O

S: FC S: N S:

Chem

In

Action: N

In

Action: B

In

Action: C

Student

Present. Student

Present.

Conclusion

Prompt I Prompt II Prompt III Midterm Prompt IV Prompt V Present Present Final


TOP / Home Links

http://oai.gmu.edu/

http://www.gmu.edu/academics/catalog/9798/honorcod.html

https://masonlivelogin.gmu.edu/login

http://ods.gmu.edu/

http://library.gmu.edu/distance

http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/

31

wide range of services (e.g., individual and group counseling, workshops and outreach programs) to enhance students' personal experience and academic performance [See http://caps.gmu.edu or call (703) 993-2380]. Student Privacy The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the "Buckley Amendment," is a federal law that gives protection to student educational records and provides students with certain rights. [See http://registrar.gmu.edu/privacy]. Email Mason uses only Mason email accounts to communicate with enrolled students. Students must activate their Mason email account, use it to communicate with their department and other administrative units, and check it regularly for important university information including messages related to this class.

University Catalog University Catalog http://catalog.gmu.edu, is the central resource for university policies affecting student, faculty, and staff conduct in university academic affairs. Other policies are available at http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/. All members of the university community are responsible for knowing and following established policies.

Other Considerations If there are any issues (e.g., religious holidays), please inform me the first week of class.

TOP / Home Links

http://caps.gmu.edu/

http://registrar.gmu.edu/privacy

http://catalog.gmu.edu/

http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/

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