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

Approx. 13 hours to complete

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Description

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.

Outline

Week 1: Course Overview and the 9/11 Attacks
David Schanzer Biography
Understanding 9/11
What Happened Here
Course Overview
Assessments and Grading
Discussion Forums
Week 1: Required Reading

Week 2: What is Terrorism?
State vs. Non-State Actors
War vs. Crime
Online Resource Search - Catherine Shreve
How to Write a Policy Memo - Overview
How to Write a Policy Memo - Heading and Background
How to Write a Policy Memo - Analysis and Summary
How to Write a Policy Memo - Revision
How to Write a Policy Memo - Proofread
Week 2: Required Reading

Week 3: A Primer on Islam
Beginnings of Islam
Early Muslim Civilization
What Muslims Believe
The Core Practices of Islam
What is Shariah Law
Shariah and the Rule of Law
What is Jihad'?
The Sword Verses
Osama bin Laden’s Use of Religion
Women in Islam
Women, Islam, & Culture
The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11- Part 1
The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11 - Part 2
Week 3: Required Reading

Week 4: The al Qai'da Ideology
An Ideology of Grievance
Biography of Sayyid Qutb
Qutb’s Milestones and a Muslim Revival
Qutb and Jihad
Roots of al Qaeda
Osama Bin Laden’s Ideology
Terminology: What Is Islamism?
Elements of the al Qai’da Ideology
Flaws in the al Qai’da Ideology
Week 4: Required Reading

Week 5: The Radicalization Process
Flawed Theories of Radicalization
Radicalization as a Complex Process
Multiple Pathways to Radicalization
The Role of Opportunities & Chance
The Power of Online Radicalization with Peter Neumann part 1
The Power of Online Radicalization with Peter Neumann, part 2
Week 5: Required Reading

Week 6: Counterterrorism Before 9/11
The NeoCon Critique: American Weakness
The Liberal Critique: American Empire
The Realist Perspective
Early Efforts to Address a Growing Threat
Slow Change in the Agencies - Airport Security
Slow Change in the Agencies - FBI, CIA, DOD
Stopping Bin Laden Prior to 9/11 - Part 1
Stopping Bin Laden Prior to 9/11 - Part 2
Week 6: Required Reading

Week 7: September 12, 2001
Challenges on September 12, 2001
Intelligence and Policy Failures
Interview with Juan Zarate - Part 1
Interview with Juan Zarate - Part 2
Where Did ISIS Come From
What Does ISIS Believe
Violent Extremism in the United States
9/11 & The Modern Middle East
Week 7: Required Reading

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the events surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attack in this comprehensive course. Students praise the course for its detailed analysis of the events and how it offers a unique perspective on the tragedy.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Detailed analysis of the events

Pros from User Reviews

In-depth coverage of the events leading up to the attack
Insightful analysis of the political and social climate at the time
Engaging lectures and clear presentation of information
Great opportunity for personal reflection and critical thinking

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be emotionally challenging
A few users felt that the course did not cover enough information about the aftermath of the attack
Some users found the course to be too focused on the US perspective and not enough on the global impact of the attack

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