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COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM & THREAT PERCEPTION
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
PIR 342 B 6 3 0 0 3 6
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lisen Bashkurti lbashkurti@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lisen Bashkurti lbashkurti@epoka.edu.al , Wednesday 9-12 am
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time: D110
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement: yes 75 %
Course Description: Following 9/11, the issue of terrorism, if not terrorism itself, seems to be everywhere. Why is that? Is there anything in the current fight against international terrorism that we have not seen before? Is it “politics as usual,” or is there something qualitatively and quantitatively different about the present wave of terrorism (e.g., did the 9/11 terrorists unleash the Third World War as claimed by some?)? How do we fight it? What are the consequences of this fight for the international system as a whole and for individuals? This course aims to make sense of it all in three main parts. First is an introduction to the history, the objectives and “inner logic” of terrorists. Second is an analysis of terrorism today, mainly represented by Al-Qaeda. Third is a discussion of possible counter-measures, taken within international as well as domestic settings. Building on this, the course aims to provide students with the tools to assess the terrorist threat (or “threat”) and to critically analyze the ideal handling of it.
Course Objectives: This course examines terrorism within the context of democratic stability. We will examine cases of domestic and international terrorism. Alternative government responses to these crises will also be covered, with attention to the consequences of those policies on democratic stability. In addition, we will also examine state repression, economic crisis and foreign influence on democratic stability. Substantively, we will deal with these questions within the context of individual democracies in Latin American and in other regions of the world. The course will be taught in a seminar style, with a combination of lecture and discussion. We will also have occasional speakers and movies to supplement the readings.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Terrorism refers to the systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. It is often characterized by the deliberate targeting of civilians and non-combatants to instill fear and create a sense of insecurity within a population.
2 Ideology plays a significant role in motivating terrorist groups, providing them with a set of beliefs, values, and principles that justify their actions. These ideologies can be religious, political, nationalist, or ethnic in nature.
3 Radicalization refers to the process by which individuals or groups adopt extremist beliefs and ideologies, often leading to involvement in terrorist activities. It involves exposure to radical ideas, grievances, and narratives that justify violence as a means to achieve ideological goals.
4 Terrorist groups vary in their organizational structures, ranging from hierarchical organizations with centralized leadership to decentralized networks of cells or affiliates. Understanding the organizational dynamics is crucial for analyzing their capabilities and vulnerabilities
5 Terrorist groups employ a variety of tactics and techniques to achieve their objectives, including bombings, assassinations, hijackings, hostage-taking, and cyber-attacks. These tactics often evolve in response to counter-terrorism measures and technological advancements.
6 Counterterrorism encompasses a range of strategies and measures aimed at preventing, deterring, and disrupting terrorist activities. This includes law enforcement efforts, intelligence gathering, military operations, border security, and international cooperation initiatives.
7 State-sponsored terrorism involves governments providing support, funding, or sanctuary to terrorist organizations as a means to advance their own political or strategic interests. It blurs the distinction between state and non-state actors in perpetrating terrorist acts.
8 Cyberterrorism refers to the use of digital technology, including the internet, computers, and information systems, to carry out terrorist attacks or facilitate terrorist activities. It poses unique challenges for cybersecurity and requires innovative countermeasures.
9 Counterterrorism financing involves efforts to disrupt the financial networks and funding sources of terrorist organizations. This includes tracking illicit financial transactions, freezing assets, and implementing international regulations to prevent terrorist financing.
10 Balancing counterterrorism measures with respect for human rights and civil liberties is essential in democratic societies. It involves protecting individual freedoms while safeguarding against security threats, ensuring that counterterrorism policies adhere to legal and ethical standards.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction to Terrorism
2 Ideological Foundations
3 Organizational Structures
4 Tactics and Techniques
5 Psychological Dimensions
6 State-Sponsored Terrorism
7 Counter-terrorism Strategies & Financing
8 Homeland Security
9 Midterm Exam
10 Cybersecurity and Terrorism
11 Case Studies
12 Emerging Threats
13 Human Rights and Terrorism
14 Future Trends and Outlook
Prerequisite(s): N/A
Textbook(s): Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues; Gus Martin; 6th Edition.
Additional Literature: "Inside Terrorism" by Bruce Hoffman; "Terrorism and Counter-terrorism: Understanding Threats and Responses in the Post-9/11 World" by Howard Brasted and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer; and "The New Terrorism: Fanaticism and the Arms of Mass Destruction" by Walter Laqueur.
Laboratory Work: N/A
Computer Usage: N/A
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution, ideological foundations, organizational structures, and tactics employed by terrorist groups worldwide.
2 Students will be able to critically analyze and evaluate the root causes, motivations, and impacts of terrorism on global security, politics, and society.
3 Students will develop the ability to assess and analyze threat perceptions associated with various forms of terrorism, including emerging trends and future threats.
4 Students will evaluate and propose effective strategies for countering terrorism, including law enforcement, intelligence gathering, military responses, and international cooperation efforts.
5 Students will examine the ethical implications of counterterrorism policies and strategies, including the balance between security measures and civil liberties.
6 Students will integrate knowledge from various disciplines, including political science, sociology, psychology, and international relations, to understand the multifaceted nature of terrorism.
7 Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively through written assignments, presentations, and class discussions.
8 Students will gain insights into the global dimensions of terrorism, including regional variations, transnational networks, and the role of state and non-state actors in perpetrating and combating terrorism.
9 Students will develop problem-solving skills by engaging in case studies, simulations, and debates related to real-world terrorist incidents and scenarios.
10 Students will recognize the importance of civic engagement and social initiatives in countering extremism and promoting peacebuilding efforts at the grassroots level.
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years) Program
1 Having and using advanced knowledge and comprehension supported by textbooks including actual knowledge in political sciences and international relations literature, materials and the other scientific resources. 5
2 Analyzing data, ideas and concepts of current political issues and international relations, determining complex events and topics, making discussions and developing new suggestions in accordance with researches. 5
3 Having knowledge and thought about actual topics and problems together with their historical, social and cultural aspects. 5
4 Introducing those who are interested in politics and international events with the topics of Political Science and IR and teaching clearly the problems and the types of solutions. 5
5 Improving skills of working together with the main social science disciplines and other disciplines which are related to Political Science and International Relations. 5
6 Improving critical thinking and skills in making research independently. 5
7 Developing solutions about the problems and conflicts which are common in national and international arena. 5
8 Improving skills for leadership and research and analyze capacity of those who is responsible with national and international ones. 5
9 Knowing any foreign language enough to communicate with colleagues and understand actual researches and articles. 5
10 Gaining IT skills to use computer and technology) in order to reach actual knowledge. 5
11 Gaining skills to follow societal, scientific and ethic values during collecting, interpreting, conducting of data related to social and political developments. 5
12 Having consciousness about human rights and environment. 5
13 Gaining the skills to follow actual developments and pursue long-life learning. 5
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
40
Final Exam
1
60
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 3 48
Mid-terms 1 17 17
Assignments 0
Final examination 1 37 37
Other 0
Total Work Load:
150
Total Work Load/25(h):
6
ECTS Credit of the Course:
6
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

By the end of this course, students should be able to critically analyze the phenomenon of international terrorism, assess threat perceptions, and propose effective strategies for countering terrorism at national and international levels. They should also demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between terrorism, politics, ideology, and society.
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