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Understanding 9/11

Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today

David Schanzer

This course will explore the forces that led to the 9/11 attacks and the policies the United States adopted in response. We will examine the phenomenon of modern terrorism, the development of the al Qai'da ideology, and the process by which individuals radicalize towards violence.

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Syllabus

Week 1: Course Overview and the 9/11 Attacks

In this course, we will examine why al Qai-da attacked America. We will also examine the phenomenon of terrorism, in general, and the radical ideology developed and propagated by Osama bin Laden through al Qaida, more specifically. We will consider why individuals are attracted to this ideology and how they radicalize to violence. We will also explore how the United States addressed terrorism prior to 9/11 and the policy changes the US (and its allies around the globe) faced in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

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Analyzes the 9/11 attacks, which are an indispensable topic in modern counterterrorism

Taught by David Schanzer, who is widely recognized for their expertise in terrorism studies

Examines the rise of terrorism, a highly relevant topic in the current geopolitical climate

Covers radicalization, a critical issue in modern counterterrorism

Features a Primer on Islam by Imam Abdullah Antepli

Provides an in-depth overview of the history of the al Qaeda terrorist group

Includes a conversation with Peter Neumann, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization

Reviews counterterrorism efforts since the 9/11 attacks

Requires familiarity with basic political science concepts and current events

May be challenging for learners without a strong understanding of international relations

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into 9/11 and terrorism

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured understanding of the complex topic of 9/11 and its aftermath. Students frequently praise the expert insights, particularly from the interviewees like Imam Antepli and experts from King's College and the Bush administration. Many found the exploration of Al-Qaeda's ideology and the radicalization process particularly insightful. While some noted it serves as an excellent foundation, a few wished for more depth on specific policy aspects or post-9/11 developments beyond ISIS. Overall, it is seen as a valuable and enlightening experience.

Includes a policy memo writing task.

"Learning how to write a policy memo in Week 2 was a useful practical skill included in the course."

"The policy memo assignment felt relevant for those interested in government or international relations roles."

"It was interesting to learn the structure and purpose of a policy memo."

"The assignment gave a practical application for the course material."

Primarily focuses on the US perspective.

"While thorough, the course leans heavily on the US policy response and perspective."

"I would have liked to see more on the global response and impact beyond the US."

"The focus is clearly on 'Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today' from a US viewpoint."

"It's a solid academic take from Duke, naturally focusing on the US context."

Course structure and weekly modules are clear.

"The course was very well organized, with each week building logically on the previous one."

"I found the week-by-week breakdown easy to follow and manage alongside other commitments."

"The syllabus outline matched the content perfectly and made navigation simple."

"Good pacing and structure made the complex topic accessible."

Exploration of Al-Qaeda and radicalization is strong.

"The weeks focusing on Al-Qaeda's ideology and the process of radicalization were particularly well-explained and fascinating."

"Understanding the 'why' behind the attacks, exploring the ideology, felt very crucial and was handled well."

"The module on radicalization pathways was eye-opening and highlighted the complexity of the issue."

"I appreciated the detailed look into how individuals become radicalized; it wasn't simplistic."

Interviews with experts add significant value.

"The interviews with experts like Imam Antepli, Peter Neumann, and Juan Zarate were incredibly insightful and a major highlight."

"Hearing directly from people involved in policy or with deep subject knowledge added so much to the lectures."

"The conversation with Imam Antepli provided a crucial perspective on Islam often missing in such discussions."

"The guest speakers were fantastic and brought real-world context to the academic material."

Content offers a solid foundation on 9/11.

"The course content was comprehensive and provided a solid foundation for understanding the events of 9/11 and their context."

"I gained a thorough understanding of the complex factors leading up to 9/11 and the subsequent policy changes."

"The material covered everything from defining terrorism to radicalization and counterterrorism efforts..."

"This course gave me a really good overview of why 9/11 happened and how the world changed afterwards."

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 Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today with these activities:

Review basic principles of terrorism

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Reviewing the basic principles of terrorism will help you understand the course material better.

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Read the assigned textbook chapters on the basic principles of terrorism.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.

Attend a webinar on terrorism

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Attending a webinar on terrorism will help you gain insights from experts in the field.

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Research upcoming webinars on terrorism.
Register for a webinar.
Attend the webinar and take notes.

Read and analyze The 9/11 Report

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Reading and analyzing the 9/11 Report will help you gain a deep understanding of what happened on 9/11 and its aftermath.

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Read the 9/11 Report thoroughly.
Take notes on the key findings.
Write a summary of the report.

Six other activities

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Analyze case studies of terrorist attacks

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Analyzing case studies of terrorist attacks will help you understand the different factors that contribute to terrorism.

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Choose a case study of a terrorist attack.
Research the attack and its aftermath.
Identify the key factors that contributed to the attack.
Write a report on your findings.

Participate in a discussion group on terrorism

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Participating in a discussion group on terrorism will help you engage with other students and learn from their perspectives.

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Find a discussion group on terrorism.
Participate in the discussion.
Share your thoughts and ideas with other group members.

Create a database of resources on terrorism

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Creating a database of resources on terrorism will help you gather and organize information on the topic.

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Research different sources of information on terrorism.
Compile a list of relevant resources.
Create a database to store the resources.

Develop a social media campaign to counter terrorist propaganda

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Developing a social media campaign to counter terrorist propaganda will help you understand the different ways in which terrorist propaganda is disseminated and how to counter it.

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Research terrorist propaganda and its impact.
Develop a social media campaign to counter terrorist propaganda.
Implement and evaluate your campaign.

Develop a policy proposal to address terrorism

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Developing a policy proposal to address terrorism will help you synthesize what you've learned in the course and apply it to a real-world problem.

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Research the current policy landscape on terrorism.
Identify a specific policy problem that you want to address.
Develop a policy proposal to address the problem.
Write a report on your policy proposal.

Volunteer with a local organization that provides support to victims of terrorism

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Volunteering with a local organization that provides support to victims of terrorism will help you gain a deeper understanding of the impact of terrorism on individuals and communities.

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Research local organizations that provide support to victims of terrorism.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer your time and support the organization's mission.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Military Intelligence Officer

Military Intelligence Officers collect, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information to support military operations. They help to identify potential threats, assess their severity, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Completing this course will provide you with a strong foundation in terrorism and its impact on national security. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the role of the military in combating terrorism and preventing the spread of violent extremism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Military Intelligence Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. They investigate crimes, make arrests, and testify in court. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in the law and criminal justice system, including the laws and policies related to terrorism. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the role of law enforcement in combating terrorism and preventing the spread of violent extremism

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Officer

Homeland Security Analyst

Homeland Security Analysts advise government officials and agencies on homeland security issues. They help to identify potential threats, assess their severity, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Completing this course will provide you with a strong foundation in terrorism and its impact on the world today. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the US government's response to terrorism, including the policies and programs it has put in place to prevent and combat terrorist attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Homeland Security Analyst

Counterterrorism Analyst

Counterterrorism Analysts advise government officials and agencies on counterterrorism issues. They help to identify potential threats, assess their severity, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Completing this course will provide you with a strong foundation in terrorism and its impact on the world today. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the US government's response to terrorism, including the policies and programs it has put in place to prevent and combat terrorist attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counterterrorism Analyst

Government Intelligence Analyst

Government Intelligence Analysts advise government officials and agencies on national security issues. They help to identify potential threats, assess their severity, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Completing this course will provide you with a strong foundation in terrorism and its impact on the world today. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the US government's response to terrorism, including the policies and programs it has put in place to prevent and combat terrorist attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Intelligence Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to protect themselves from security threats, including terrorism. They help to develop and implement security plans, conduct risk assessments, and train employees on security procedures. Completing this course will deepen your understanding of terrorism and how to protect against it. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the latest security technologies and best practices for preventing and responding to terrorist attacks.

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International Relations Analyst

International Relations Analysts study the political, economic, and social factors that influence relations between countries. They advise governments, businesses, and other organizations on how to navigate the complex world of international affairs. This course will provide you with a solid grounding in the history, theory, and practice of international relations, particularly in studying terrorism's impact on international relations. You will learn about the different types of terrorist groups, their motivations, and the strategies they use to attack their targets. You will also learn about the role of international organizations in combating terrorism and preventing the spread of violent extremism

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs, manage staff, and raise funds. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in nonprofit management, including the principles and practices used to manage and lead nonprofit organizations. You will also learn about the different types of nonprofit organizations that exist, including those that focus on terrorism-related issues. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective nonprofit manager.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with difficult life challenges. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals, families, and groups. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in social work, including the principles and practices used to help people in need. You will also learn about the different types of social work that exist, including those that focus on terrorism-related issues. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective social worker.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts evaluate and assess the risks faced by individuals, businesses, and organizations. They help to develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in risk management, including the principles and practices used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. You will also learn about the different types of risks that organizations face, including terrorism-related risks. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to develop and implement effective risk management strategies.

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Emergency Management Coordinator

Emergency Management Coordinators plan and coordinate emergency response efforts. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to develop and implement emergency plans. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in emergency management, including the principles and practices used to plan for and respond to emergencies. You will also learn about the different types of emergencies that can occur, including terrorist attacks. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to develop and implement effective emergency management plans.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They advise government officials on how to develop and implement effective public policies. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in public policy analysis, including the principles and practices used to research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. You will also learn about the different types of public policies that exist, including those related to terrorism. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to develop and implement effective public policies.

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Journalist

Journalists inform the public about current events and issues. They write, edit, and produce news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in journalism, including the principles and practices used to gather, report, and write news stories. You will also learn about the different types of journalism that exist, including investigative journalism and international journalism. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective journalist.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They write books, articles, and other works that help us to understand the events and people that have shaped our world. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in history, including the principles and practices used to research, analyze, and interpret historical events. You will also learn about the different periods of history, including the modern era and the history of terrorism. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective historian.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions, and assign and grade student work. Completing this course will provide you with a solid foundation in teaching and research, including the principles and practices used to develop and deliver effective instruction. You will also learn about the different disciplines that exist, including the social sciences and the humanities. This course can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective professor.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today.

The Looming Tower

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This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides an in-depth account of the rise of al-Qaeda and the events leading up to the 9/11 attacks. It is considered a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of modern terrorism.

Understanding 9/11

Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into 9/11 and terrorism

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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