Associate of Arts in Counter Terrorism Studies

Over the past several years, the concepts of homeland defense and the need to better fortify the US homeland and its interests from asymmetric threats were recognized, but action to remedy vulnerabilities was limited in comparison to defensive measures taken during the Cold War. Within this context, this course will explore the boundaries of this national security mission by examining the threats, the actors, and the organizational structures and resources required to defend the American homeland.

The course identifies the fundamental and underlying reasons why America is a target for terrorists as it compares and contrasts various international terrorist groups and their respective ideologies. A review is made of the origins of modern terrorism, religion and terror, typologies of terrorism, and distinctions between terrorism and serious crimes. Additionally, the course will address the various definitions of terrorism including the influences of religion, ethnic, and geographical distinctions. From an historical perspective students will come to appreciate the ideological basis for terrorism, begin to understand the differences between the various “active” terrorist organizations, and acquire a basic framework for discussing WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) issues. Finally, this course will also lay the foundation for the student to undertake further intermediate terrorism-related curriculum.

This course of instruction will explore and understand what the International terrorist is trying to accomplish and why. We will explore the ideological basis and characteristics of three (3) selected international terrorist organizations, differentiate and compare the recruiting and financial support mechanisms of various international terrorist organizations, and provide information to the student relative to active international terrorist organizations.

This course is a study of the emergency response to terrorism process, to include knowledge of response tasks, toxicology, mass casualty triage, decontamination, and other operational issues.

This course is a detailed exploration of the motivations of the international terrorist as well as the mechanisms of international terrorism. It will analyze the missions of key agencies involved with the “War on Terrorism,” evaluate their contributions, and determine ways they may work more synergistically. The course will examine the ideological basis and characteristics of international terrorist organizations. This will include differentiating and comparing the recruiting and financial support mechanisms of various international terrorist organizations, and evaluating their relative strengths and weaknesses.

This course provides an overview of the chemical and biological threat that America and the rest of the industrialized nations face today. Subjects to be covered include weapons of mass destruction (WMD) technologies, equipment and response assets, and patterns of global terrorism. Additionally, the course will cover homeland security concerns and the US Government's plans and programs to execute a response to a WMD incident.

This course attempts to answer several questions. First, why would an individual engage in terrorist activities? Second, can potential terrorists be identified before they act? And third, can societies prevent individuals from becoming terrorists? To answer these questions, materials will be presented about the psychological, biographic, cultural/demographic and sociological facets of terrorism.

The murder of military, government and innocent civilians by enemies, foreign and domestic, is a serious issue for U.S. policy makers, military leaders, law enforcement professionals and other first responders. Attacks (successful and thwarted) against U.S. embassies, military installations (including ships afloat), and symbolic targets have not abated since September 11th. This course will provide an expanded review of the agencies tasked with the “War on Terrorism”, provide more information on the major Intelligence disciplines trying to develop Indications and Warning of future terrorist events; profile three different terrorist groups: [Radical religious (i.e., fundamentalism), revolutionary based groups, and political groups] and examine the following: methods of recruiting, ideological development, basic organization, characteristics and actual operations of at least 3 major international terrorist organizations.

This course will create an understanding of the attitudes of Islamic nations and people toward the US by attempting to answer the following questions. First, “What is Islam?” “What are Islam’s basic tenets?” Second, “What are the basic Islamic sects and what separates them, what unites them? “Where did Islamic fundamentalism come from and where is it going?” Finally, “Why do so many Islamic countries fail to develop or sustain democratic systems?” To answer these questions, material will be presented about the socio-economic-political and religious framework of Islam that permeates all aspects of Muslim life.

This course for the non-scientist, is a study of chemical, biological, and radiological science involved in the different forms of weapons of mass destruction. The course covers topics of basic science, treatment, short- and long- term effects, among other issues central to understanding hostile WMD agents.

This course is a study of the Incident Command System (ICS) as it applies to a WMD response. Students will be provided with knowledge of the ICS and case scenarios of its use in a variety of settings. The course includes a scenario-driven exercise in which students must “respond” through the ICS command and staffing process to a national event.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.