HLSS323 - Homegrown Violent Extremism

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

CO-1: Describe the psychological factors of terrorism as well as the ideologies that drive homegrown violent extremism.

CO-2: Compare and contrast the different models and framework for the radicalization process.

CO-3: Examine case studies of homegrown violent extremism in North America.

CO-4: Describe the impact of social media on extremist recruiting and radicalization efforts.

CO-5: Compare and contrast initiatives to counter homegrown violent extremism and de-radicalization efforts.

Forum Discussions – 25 percent

Each week, a discussion question is provided and posts should reflect an assimilation of the readings. Students are required to provide a substantive initial post by Thursday at 11:55 pm ET and respond to at least 2 classmates by Sunday 11:55 pm ET. Forum posts are graded on timeliness, relevance, knowledge of the weekly readings, and the quality of original ideas.

Midterm Assignment - 25 percent

This assignment is a research paper on homegrown extremism and terrorism, radicalization models and an assessment of the main inspiration of an extremist or terrorist group that you choose.

Progress Assignment - 25 percent

This assignment is a 5-7 page (double-spaced) paper where the student describes how to collect and analyze intelligence on the terrorist group.

Final Assignment – 25 percent

This assignment requires you to provide an evaluation of the impact of the internet and social media has had on homegrown extremism in North America and to conduct an analysis of current efforts to counter homegrown violent extremists.

All required readings are located under the weekly Lessons tab in the classroom.