GOVT 480 Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS
GOVT 480
TERRORISM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A cross-disciplinary study of terrorism as a form of organized political violence; its intellectual,
cultural, political, and religious roots; and its uses in ethnic, sectarian, and international conflicts.
RATIONALE
September 11, 2001, provides the rationale for a comprehensive course in terrorism regardless of
the students major since the new realities affect every aspect of life in every country. This course
is designed to give the student an overview of the intellectual, historical, and political aspects of
modern terrorism.
I.

PREREQUISITE
GOVT 200

II.

REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES

American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (current edition). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
White, J. R. (2014). Terrorism and homeland security (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Publishing. ISBN: 9781285061962.
Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research
regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific
personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources.

III.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING

A.

Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B.

Internet access (broadband recommended)

C.

Microsoft Word
(Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.)

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GOVT 480 Syllabus

IV.

MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

V.

A.

Articulate the different views and definitions of terrorism.

B.

Evaluate the war on terrorism, the medias involvement, and public policy
surrounding terrorism.

C.

Analyze issues surrounding the subject of terrorism.

D.

Summarize the threat and effects of weapons of mass destruction, and the use of
force multipliers by terrorist organizations.

E.

Discuss religious tension in the Middle East from a biblical worldview

perspective.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

B.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student
will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

C.

Discussion Board Forums (8)

The student will take part in 8 Discussion Board Forums. The student will create a
thread responding to the assigned topic. Each thread must be at least 400 words.
Additionally, for each Discussion Board Forum, the student will post 2 replies of at
least 200 words to other classmates threads.

D.

Research Paper
The student will choose a topic directly related to the study of terrorism, and write
a 68-page Research Paper on that topic. The paper must be written in current
APA format and include a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. The paper will consist
of 3 partsa bibliography, an outline, and a final submission.

E.

Essay Exams (2)

The student will complete a Midterm Essay Exam and a Final Essay Exam. Both
exams have a time limit of 2 hours and are open-book/open-notes, but
collaboration with another person is not permitted.

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GOVT 480 Syllabus

VI.

COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES

A.

Points
Course Requirements Checklist
Discussion Board Forums (8 at 50 pts ea)
Research Paper
Bibliography
Outline
Final Submission
Midterm Essay Exam
(Modules 14)
Final Essay Exam
(Modules 58)

10
400

Total
B.

25
25
150
200
200
1010

Scale
A = 9001010 B = 800899 C = 700799 D = 600699 F = 0599

C.

Late Assignment Policy

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then
he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior
approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:
1.

Late assignments submitted within one week of the due

date will receive a 10% deduction.

2.

Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive

a 20% deduction.

3.

Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final

date of the class will not be accepted.

4.

Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be

accepted.

Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health

issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
D.

Disability Assistance
Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Onlines
Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to
make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be
found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.

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