Courses

This course is designed to offer cadets a solid understanding of the causes, nature, and consequences of terrorism, and of the practical and moral dilemmas facing states’ attempts to counter the terrorist threat. The course rests on the assumption that a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary terrorist threat requires an understanding both of the theoretical and historical underpinnings of terrorism, as well as of practical and policy considerations surrounding terrorism and counterterrorism. We will therefore approach the topics from both a theoretical and practical stance; in other words, we will apply theory to contemplate, develop, and discuss policy relevant solutions. The course also rests on the assumption that an informed understanding of terrorism must involve examinations at various levels of analysis: that of the individual terrorist, that of the terrorist group, and that of the situational context of terrorism.

This course will introduce cadets to the tools, tactics, and strategies of combating terrorism in the current operational environment. Additionally, cadets will learn about the metrics used to evaluate counterterrorism strategies and tactics. The goal of the course is for cadets to think critically about combating terrorism. In short, this course exposes cadets to how we currently combat terrorism and encourages critical thought on how we can improve the way we fight terrorism in “the long war.”

*Although not a core class, SS464 is a required class for those cadets who pursue the TSM Counterterrorism track. It is also a popular class.

This course addresses the complex challenges of homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach. It provides future leaders with a thorough understanding of the homeland security policy area, explores the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, and analyzes the unprecedented and complex challenges America faces in providing for its security. The course examines how homeland security policy intersects with other domestic and foreign policy issues, how our federalist system of government affects homeland security, and how moral, ethical, and civil liberties concerns complicate the development of effective homeland security policies. By analyzing the threat and developing an understanding of the unique policy problems and tools of homeland security, the course enables students to critically assess national efforts in such areas as border security, domestic counterterrorism policy, preemption of emerging threats, critical infrastructure protection, countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and emergency preparedness and response.