Chris Eskridge
310 Nebraska Hall
472-6755
ceskridge@unl.edu
Course Description:
This course is designed to deal with the issues surrounding the phenomenon of terrorism. The students will be
exposed to theories, concepts, and issues relating to terrorism.
An attempt will be made to improve students' understanding of the problem of terrorism against the background
of contemporary international relations and continuing ideological conflict. General concepts of terrorism will be
explored, as will many of the events, groups and persons who have been involved in historical acts of terrorism.
Students will explore the role of terrorism in the 21st century and examine the problems of responding to and
controlling terrorism.
Required Course Materials:
Xerox packet at the University Bookstore
Readings on the course webpage (www.unl.edu/eskridge/cj476index.html)
White, Introduction to Terrorism
Evaluation:
Two exams covering the reading and lecture material will be given. The mid-term, worth 35 percent of the course
grade, will be given on Thursday, March 14. The comprehensive final exam will be given from 10 am to noon on
Wednesday, May 8 and will be worth 50 percent of the course grade. Make-up exams will not be given, so plan
accordingly. Students will also be expected to critique 15 articles dealing with course related topics. The critiques
will be worth 15 percent of the course grade. Each critique is to be at least 250 words in length. The critiques
are due no later than April 18. No critiques will be accepted after that time.
A standard "curve" will be used to determine the course grade (90%-A; 80%-B; 70%-C; 60%-D). A passing grade
is a C in the P/N option. Attendance will not be taken, but students should plan on attending class on a regular basis
in as much as the exams will emphasize material presented in class. Students who miss a class session should
make arrangements to obtain notes from another class member.
Exam Content:
Text Material Lecture Material
Mid-Term Exam Chapters 1-13 Sections 1-5
Xerox Materials
Webpage materials
Final Exam Chapters 1-17; Sections 1-10
Xerox Materials
Webpage materials
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides individualized accommodations to students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that is impacting your academic progress, please call SSD at 472-3787 and schedule an appointment with the Director, Veva Cheney, or Assistant Director, Barbara Woodhead. If you do not have a documented disability but you are having difficulties with your coursework (such as receiving low grades even though you study more than your classmates or running out of time for test questions when the majority of your peers finish their exams in the allotted time), you may schedule an appointment with Veva or Barbara to discuss the challenges you are experiencing.
COURSE OUTLINE
TEXT
TOPIC CHAPTERS
SECTION 1 Definitions and Typologies of Terrorism 1
SECTION 2 Justice and Terrorism 2
SECTION 3 Extent of Terrorism 3
SECTION 4 Terrorist Organizations: International 4 - 12
SECTION 5 Terrorist Organizations: Domestic 13
- MID TERM EXAM -
SECTION 6 Case Studies (People, Places, Events) no assignment
SECTION 7 Terrorist Techniques, Tactics and Weapons 14
SECTION 8 Response and Survival 15, 16
SECTION 9 Problems in Controlling Terrorist Groups no assignment
SECTION 10 Future of Terrorism 17
- FINAL EXAM -
The reading assignments are noted in the right hand column. Students are encouraged to read ahead
so that they might be somewhat familiar with the course material prior to its presentation in class. It
should be noted, however, that the exams will focus on material presented in class.