New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism from Coursera

The “New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism” course offered by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), is a multi-week interactive course designed to help students explore both pragmatic and philosophical challenges that continue to shape the evolution of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), a global security paradigm. START, a Department of Homeland Security Emeritus Center of Excellence and research, training, and education center housed at the University of Maryland within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS), serves as a leading voice in the national and international dialogue regarding CVE. START’s Director and the course instructor, Bill Braniff, will introduce the concept of CVE and explore the promise of CVE as a more comprehensive and proactive approach to the complex phenomenon of violent extremism. This 3.5 hour course will take an in-depth look at CVE as a relatively new area of policy and practice. As such, this MOOC can serve as an awareness-raising course, targeting anyone interested in terrorism, community resilience, security, policy and/or civil rights issues. The course is broadly interdisciplinary and has no prerequisites. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Differentiate between two ways of addressing violent extremism: counterterrorism (CT) and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE); 2. Explain the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs; 3. Make sound analytical judgments about CVE programs and their potential. START also offers a range of other online educational programs, including: 1. Summer/Winter Courses: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/summerwinter-courses 2. Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Security and Terrorism Studies: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/master-professional-studies-online 3. Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/graduate-certificate-online

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Taught by Bill Braniff who is recognized for their work in CVE

Offered by START - leading voice in the national and international dialogue regarding CVE

Introduces the concept of CVE

Explores the promise of CVE

Teaches a spectrum of CVE programs for various approaches to countering terror

Assesses potential of CVE programs

Reviews summary

Informative course on countering violent extremism

The “New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism” course is an engaging educational program offered by START, a leading voice in CVE. This course provides a comprehensive overview of CVE, exploring its promise as a proactive approach to addressing violent extremism and its various programs, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration. Students will learn to differentiate between counterterrorism and CVE and make analytical judgments about CVE programs' potential. The course is well-structured and easy to follow, featuring insightful perspectives from experts and case studies.

Well-structured and easy to follow

"Very well laid out and easy to follow."

"Modules flow very well."

Features knowledgeable instructors and experts

"I really loved this course and Dr. Braniff was an excellent educator in this area."

"Excellent course, the amount and wide variety of particpants in the videos were highly enlightening."

Emphasizes practical applications and case studies

"The course is a must for anyone trying to understand the issues behind CVE anad CT and how to successfully engage in Prevention and Rehabilitation to avoid further radicalization and proliferation of VE ideology"

"Additionally, it provides a number of good case studies and details CVE methodology."

Provides valuable insights and information on CVE

"Learned a lot in this course on how communities can have a huge role in countering violent extremism."

"Great course, easy and fair amount of work with very interesting topics."

"This course gives a valuable insight over perspectives of the society self-protection in cooperation with law enforcement and international security experts against hazardous elements of violent extremism wherever they come from."

May have a political bias

"Seemed to focus soley on "right-wing" extreamist groups and not providing a fair picture but rather a picture based on political bias."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism with these activities:

Review counterterrorism

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Review relevant knowledge from counterterrorism operations to serve as an initial foundation for advanced learning.

Browse courses on Counterterrorism

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Read articles on counterterrorism strategies from reputable sources.
Summarize key concepts and approaches used in counterterrorism.
Discuss counterterrorism measures with peers or experts.

Review key concepts from previous courses

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Reviewing key concepts from previous courses in security studies and counterterrorism will provide a strong foundation for understanding Countering Violent Extremism.

Browse courses on Violent Extremism

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Identify relevant concepts from previous courses
Review notes, textbooks, and other course materials
Summarize key concepts in your own words

Explore online resources on Countering Violent Extremism

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Exploring online resources will provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest theories and practices in Countering Violent Extremism.

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Identify reputable websites and organizations
Review articles, reports, and videos
Take notes and highlight key points

Three other activities

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Engage in online discussions with peers

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Engaging in discussions with peers will facilitate critical thinking, exchange of ideas, and enhance understanding of diverse perspectives on Countering Violent Extremism.

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Join online forums or discussion groups
Read and respond to discussion prompts
Share insights and perspectives

Develop a CVE policy brief

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Developing a policy brief will provide practical experience in applying CVE principles to real-world scenarios.

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Identify a CVE policy issue
Research and gather relevant information
Develop policy recommendations
Write and format the policy brief

Volunteer with organizations working on CVE initiatives

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Volunteering will provide firsthand experience in CVE practices and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

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Identify organizations offering CVE volunteer opportunities
Contact the organization and express interest
Participate in CVE programs and activities

Career center

Learners who complete New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Transportation Security Officer

Transportation Security Officers protect passengers and crew on public transportation from terrorist attacks. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Counterterrorism Analyst

Counterterrorism Analysts study, analyze, and report on potential terrorist activities. This course may be useful for aspiring Counterterrorism Analysts since it introduces the concept of CVE and explores its promise as a more comprehensive and proactive approach to the complex phenomenon of violent extremism. This course would prove especially helpful to those interested in the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, such as prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Homeland Security Inspector

Homeland Security Inspectors protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other threats. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide security advice to businesses and organizations. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to provide insights and recommendations on national security issues. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and protect the public from crime. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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National Security Advisor

National Security Advisors advise government officials on national security issues. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Federal Air Marshal

Federal Air Marshals protect passengers and crew on commercial aircraft from terrorist attacks. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism and the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Criminologist

Criminologists research and analyze crime and criminal behavior. This course may be useful since it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism. Criminologists should take this course, especially those interested in the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, such as prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Terrorism Researcher

Terrorism Researchers study the causes and consequences of terrorism. This course may be useful because it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism. Terrorism Researchers should take this course, especially those interested in the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, such as prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Emergency Management Director

Emergency Management Directors plan and coordinate emergency response efforts during disasters and other emergencies. This course may be useful since it explores the complex phenomenon of violent extremism. Emergency Management Directors should take this course, especially those interested in the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, such as prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and provide recommendations to policymakers. This course may be useful for those interested in developing and implementing CVE policies. Policy Analysts should consider taking this course, especially those focused on the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks. This course may be useful for those interested in managing the risks associated with violent extremism. Risk Managers should consider taking this course, especially those focused on the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers develop and implement strategies that address community issues. This course may be helpful as it can help Community Organizers better understand how to respond to violent extremism and implement CVE programs. Those interested in becoming a Community Organizer may wish to take this course because it explores the spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs.

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Civil Rights Advocate

Civil Rights Advocates regularly combat violent extremism and terrorism. This course may be helpful because it explores both pragmatic and philosophical challenges that continue to define Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Those interested in Civil Rights Advocacy should consider this course since it explores the promise of CVE as a more comprehensive and proactive approach to the complex phenomenon of violent extremism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Rights Advocate