Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today from Coursera

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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.

Week 2: What is Terrorism?

Our topic for this week is, what is terrorism. We will try to define terrorism and understand the actions that we're going to be studying in this course, 9/11 and its aftermath. We will examine one of the key debates in this area; can terrorism be executed by a state, or is it only the use of political violence by a non-state actor. You will also learn how to write a policy memo.

Week 3: A Primer on Islam

This week we have a special treat: we will have an extensive conversation with Imam Abdullah Antepli, the Islamic Chaplin here at Duke. We’ll cover a wide range of topics, including Islamic history, law, the role of women and the Muslim experience in the post – 9/11 world.

Week 4: The al Qai'da Ideology

Our topic for this week is the al Qaeda ideology. An ideology is essentially the set of beliefs that an individual, a group, or an organization has to either motivate them or to give that organization purpose. For al Qaeda, of course this is incredibly important because they're trying to motivate individuals to sacrifice their lives for what they view as a great cause.

Week 5: The Radicalization Process

This week we’ll examine how individuals become radicalized. We’ll see that there are multiple paths to radicalization where opportunity and chance play a significant role. Thus, radicalization is a complex process that defies simple explanation. We’ll conclude with a conversation with Peter Neumann, Professor of Security Studies at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, and director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization.

Week 6: Counterterrorism Before 9/11

This week we’ll examine the three main US political philosophies that underlie the country’s approach to counterterrorism. We’ll look at the beginnings of the US response to this growing threat and how US agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts have adapted over time. Finally, we’ll examine how the US attempted to combat Osama bin Laden’s growing threat to US security.

Week 7: September 12, 2001

In this final week of the course we’ll speak with Juan Zarate , one of the key White House counter terrorism advisers in the second Bush administration, about US counterterrorism efforts since 9/11. We’ll look at the current state of threats to US interests from emerging actors, such as ISIS. Finally, we’ll look at the recent developments in the Middle East that affect US security.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Reviews summary

Informative course on 9/11

According to students, this course has outstanding content that is informative. Students have praised the interviews within the course as well. Overall, this course is well received by learners.

Course material is informative.

Course includes valuable interviews.

"Outstanding course and content; the interviews really enriched my learning."

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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