> ![](media/image1.wmf) new 12/02

# 

# SOCIOLOGY OF TERRORISM

## **SOCIOLOGY 329/314**

####### DR. HENRY W. FISCHER LUZERNE 202

####### E-MAIL: <hfischer@millersville.edu> OFFICE 872-3568

**COURSE WEB SITE : <http://muweb.millersville.edu/~hfischer/>**

Terrorism has been used as a means to try to attain the goals of
individuals, groups and nation-states for centuries. U.S. citizens have
gradually had the unfortunate opportunity to become aware of the
dynamics and frequency of terrorism in recent decades. We will all
remember where we were and what we were doing the moment we found out
about the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The events of "9.11"
are probably a primary reason for your enrolling in this course.

What can you expect from this course? You will have the opportunity to
develop a ***sociological*** understanding of terrorism as a means of
*negative bargaining* pursuant to goal attainment, insight into how one
becomes a terrorist, how terrorist groups emerge, where terrorism if
most frequently found today, contemporary weapons of choice, how
terrorists are trained and financed, short-term as well as long term
strategies for countering terrorism, and means for redressing grievances
without resulting to terror.

Regardless of your major or what career path you follow after completing
your degree, you can expect to live the on-going threat of terror for
many years into the future. What you learn here may help you help others
to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to such events

I enjoy teaching and have a particular interest in the sociology of
terrorism as it falls within my research specialty. I have been studying
disaster related phenomena for approximately 17 years, have presented
more than three dozen professional papers on these topics at conferences
throughout the world, published more than a dozen scholarly journal
articles and a book (currently in its 2^nd^ edition) on these topics. I
currently serve as a consultant to the White House Office of Emergency
Preparedness re terrorism. I want to share my knowledge and experiences
with you this semester. You may anticipate a very real world
experience---one that is imperative since 11 September 2001. Let's get
started.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.0569444444444445in"
height="0.7902777777777777in"}
![](media/image3.png){width="0.8131944444444444in"
height="0.8847222222222222in"}
![](media/image4.png){width="1.0881944444444445in"
height="0.8145833333333333in"}

**[Required Books:]{.underline}**

(1) Cindy C. Combs. 2002. *Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century.* 3^rd^
    Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. (Read)

(2) Donald M. Snow. 2002. *September 11, 2001: The New Face of War?* New
    York: Longman. (Read)

(3) Michael T. Osterholm & John Schwartz. 2000. *Living Terrors.* NY:
    Random House. (Annotate)

(4) Paul L. Williams. 2002. *Al Qaeda---Brotherhood of Terror.* NY:
    Alpha. (Annotate)

**[BACKGROUND RESEARCH & HOMEWORK]{.underline}**

Various Course Related Topics & Websites have been identified in this
syllabus for you to do "background research" work. What do I mean?
Access information (via library journal articles or online internet
sources) on the topics you choose (pre-designated web sites are also
included). Digest the information and then write a 1-2 page summary &
sociological analysis for each of ten (10) such items. You are expected
to turn them in as we progress through the semester. However, you must
turn in [at least five]{.underline} prior to exam 1. Summarize what you
read and apply sociology concepts, theories from the course to explain
or analyze what you read.

Additional homework assignments will be given periodically.

**[Book Annotations]{.underline}**

Two books are designated as books to be annotated and turned in by the
assigned due dates. [Annotations]{.underline} should include
[summaries]{.underline} of what you are reading, [personal
reactions]{.underline} to what you read (for example, you may disagree
with something and explain why) and [apply course concepts,
theories]{.underline} to explain what you read. Try to say something on
almost every page. The [first book]{.underline} is due by the end of
[week 6]{.underline} and the [second book]{.underline} is due by the end
of [week 12]{.underline}.

**[Grading:]{.underline}**
![](media/image5.wmf){width="0.6090277777777777in"
height="0.8006944444444445in"}

25% - Exam 1 (Essay---Please Bring Blue Books)

25% - Exam 2 (Essay---Please Bring Blue Books)

> 10% - Background Research & Homework
>
> 20% - 2 Book Annotations (each worth 10%)

20% - Project

**[Class Attendance Policy]{.underline}**:

a.  Attendance at all class meetings is required. Your attendance, or
    lack there of, **[WILL]{.underline}** affect your grade. Past
    experience indicates that by missing class the student punishes
    him/herself. A good performance in the course is usually directly
    related to class attendance, proper preparation and participation.

b.  A first cut does **not** require a written excuse from a doctor,
    etc. A **written excuse** (doctor, etc.) is required for a second
    and third cut.

c.  Four cuts constitute grounds for dismissal from the course and a
    grade of "F." Reinstatement *may* be possible pending conference
    with the professor.

d.  Five or more cuts **WILL** result in an automatic "F" and
    reinstatement is NOT possible.

**[Please Note:]{.underline}**

a.  The class schedule is subject to change, e.g., readings, tests, and
    so forth; **you** are responsible for keeping up with any changes.
    Not being in class when a change was made is not an acceptable
    reason for missing a deadline.

b.  Exams are to be taken in class when administered. Arrangements may
    be made for unusual circumstances if the professor is approached and
    arrangements are made **before** the exam is given; otherwise, an
    excuse must be submitted that is signed by a physician, etc. The
    university final exam rules apply to this course.

c.  Experience suggests that the student who **[reads and
    studies]{.underline}** the assigned material
    **[BEFORE]{.underline}** coming to class performs better in the
    course than those who attempt, usually in vain, to \"catch up.\"

######## BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Listed below are suggested background research topics and pre-designated
web sites from which you may want to choose to complete the required ten
(10) assignments. Assignments? Access a web site, article, book that
addresses the chosen topic(s), digest the information, write (word
process) a 1-2 paper (for each of the ten topics) that summarizes and
includes your critical response (draw from the course when possible).
Each is to be turned in within 2 weeks of dealing with the topic in
class. You may also choose related topics of your own in addition to
this list.

**[TOPICS]{.underline}**

September 11, 2001: NYC, Pentagon, etc. Domestic (U.S.) Hate Groups &
Terrorism

Terrorism -- What is it? 1993 World Trade Center Terrorist Event

Terrorism Networks "Oklahoma City" Terrorist Event

History of Terrorism Terrorism in Europe, Africa, the Mid East,

Sociology of Terrorism the Pacific Rim, the Americas

Sociological Theories: Conflict Theory, etc. IRA

Frequency of Terrorism Events PLO

Types of Terrorism Al Qaeda

Causes of Terrorism Biography of a Particular Terrorist

Weapons Used: conventional, WMD Media Coverage of Terrorism

Different Biological Agents re WMD Terrorist Training Camps

How are terrorists recruited? Countering Terrorism

Goal of Terrorists UK/European Counter Terrorism Approach

**[WEB SITES]{.underline}**

Homeland Security Office Weekly Newsletter DRC, Disaster Research Center

[www.homelandsecurity.org/newsletter](http://www.homelandsecurity.org/newsletter)
<http://www.udel.edu/DRC/>

Homeland Security Office Home Page CNN News Home Page

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/> <http://www.cnn.com/US/>

ABC News re 9.11 White House Home Page

<http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/WTC_SubIndex.html>
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/>

Medical NBC Online -- Bio-Terroism Info United Nations Home Page

<http://www.nbc-med.org/ie40/> <http://www.un.org/>

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Site BBC -- News, Another Perspective

<http://www.cdc.gov/> <http://www.bbc.co.uk/>

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Site Saudi Arabia News --
English

<http://www.fema.gov/> <http://www.arabnews.com/>

**[Project Options:]{.underline}**

**20% - course grade !**

[Each student is required to complete a course project]{.underline} that
provides him or her with the opportunity to [apply concepts
learned]{.underline} during the semester. You are encouraged to submit
two separate drafts. The [first draft]{.underline} (optional, but those
who do average a letter grade better) will receive editing comments, but
it will not receive a grade. It is due the [12^th^ week]{.underline} of
the semester. The [second draft]{.underline} (also turn in the first
with it) will receive a grade. It is due the [14^th^ week]{.underline}
of the semester.

**[The submitted project may take one of three forms:]{.underline}**

**Paper**

If you elect to complete a paper, it does *not* have to be a formal
research paper. While it may use an informal writing style, it should be
well written and reflect the use of good grammar, etc. Include a title
page (format of your choosing), pages are to be numbered, use sub-titles
(bold font) when appropriate, double space, develop an introductory
section to the paper that explains what this paper is about, develop a
concluding section to the paper that summarizes and brings closure to
the paper. Make sure the paper is written according to the specifics
noted in your project selection (below)---and applies course concepts
and theories, clearly and completely. It should be 6-10 pages in length.

**Product**

If you elect to develop a product, make sure it conforms to the project
specifics in your project selection (below)---and applies course
concepts and theories, clearly and completely. It should be a very
professional looking, finished product. Examples of products include,
but are not limited to, a web site, pamphlet or brochure, video
presentation.

**Presentation**

If you elect to do a class presentation, make sure it conforms to the
project specifics in your project selection (below)---and applies course
concepts and theories, clearly and completely. The presentation should
include the use of Power Point slides (with pictures when appropriate),
perhaps illustrative video vignettes, and/or links to relevant Internet
sites. The oral presentation should take between 15-20 minutes. It you
need more time, make sure to let the professor know in advance of the
presentation date. Handouts are encouraged if appropriate and possible.

**[Specific Projects to Choose from:]{.underline}**

**Terrorism Film Critique**

Select and view a relevant film. Summarize the film and, most
importantly, apply sociological knowledge, course concepts, etc., to
explaining and critiquing what is portrayed in the film. A Film example
you may wish to consider, but are not limited to: ***Arlington Road**,
**The Siege, The Sum of All Fears**.*

**Book Critique: WMD or Terrorism**

Select a book (see course bibliography for help\-- @ recommended). After
reading the book, prepare a summary and analysis (using course concepts
and theories).

**Annotated Bibliography of the 8 Specified Journal Articles (see \* in
course bibliography)**

After obtaining a copy and reading each article, prepare a summary of
the article noting key issues and findings. Make sure to also interpret
the practical meaning or significance of each article.

**Develop a Website on Terrorism or WMD**

Develop a site that provides relevant terrorism or WMD information and
provides appropriate links. Launch your site and email your site address
to your professor.

**Counter Terrorism Critique**

Outline, describe and critique (in detail) the U.S. approach to
combating terrorism.

**Content Analysis of Media Portrayal of Terrorism Event**

Complete a content analysis that describes and assesses the nature of
the portrayal of the behavioral and organizational response to a major
terrorism event and apply course material to assess the media coverage.
The university library will be a good source of newspaper and
newsmagazine coverage. Alternately, you may also use video-taped news
coverage of an event.

**WMD Primer**

Develop a primer of a particular WMD: what is it, how is it
made/distributed, symptoms of exposure, etc..

**Terrorist Group Primer**

Select a terrorist group we will not focus on in the course. Digest
enough information from various sources to become a mini-expert on the
group. Develop a history, who's who, time line, list of articulated
group goals, etc. Apply course concepts, theories where possible.

**Develop Your Own Idea**

Design a project idea of your own---with the prof's approval.

![](media/image6.png){width="1.1979166666666667in"
height="1.3020833333333333in"}
![](media/image7.png){width="1.9270833333333333in"
height="1.3333333333333333in"}
![](media/image8.jpeg){width="1.3472222222222223in"
height="1.7222222222222223in"}

> ![](media/image9.jpeg){width="1.5625in" height="1.5625in"}
> ![](media/image10.jpeg){width="1.69375in"
> height="1.5833333333333333in"}

COURSE OUTLINE

# THE SOCIOLOGY OF TERRORISM

### **INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIOLOGY OF TERRORISM**

> Course Orientation, Name Game, Video Vignettes
>
> Personal Experience Sharing: Where Were *You* On 9.11.01?
>
> Why Study Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism?
>
> How I Became Involved
>
> History of Sociological Research into Terrorism
>
> Who's Who in the Sociology of Terrorism Research
>
> Specialized Publications
>
> Using the Internet: Example Sites to Digest

I.  **WHY DO *THEY* DO IT? A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS**

> What is Terrorism? Is *It* In the Eye of the Beholder?
>
> Applying the Sociological Perspective:
>
> Basic Concepts & Theoretical Paradigms (SSM)
>
> Symbolic Interaction, Structural-Functionalism, Conflict
>
> Theory, Post-Modern Theory

Middle Range Theories

Theory of Collective Behavior

Why Does Terrorism Exist as a Means of Goal Attainment?

> Social Movements & Tools Available
>
> Power, Domination & Emergent Norms
>
> The Social Construction of Reality
>
> Why/How Does One Become a Terrorist?
>
> The Demographics & Personality of a "Typical Terrorist"
>
> Recruiting Strategies
>
> Socialization & Culture Clash

#### DIMENSIONS OF TERRORISM

> Frequency of Terrorist Events
>
> Brief Historical Overview of Terrorism
>
> Types, Typology of Terrorism
>
> Types of Terrorism Weapons - Overview
>
> Conventional Explosives, Poisons
>
> Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
>
> Non-Conventional Explosives
>
> Nuclear
>
> Biological
>
> Chemical
>
> Technological Terrorism
>
> Cyber-Terrorism
>
> Current List of Biological Agents of Choice & Their Effects

**EXAM 1 -- PLEASE BRING BLUE BOOKS !**

II. **INSIDE THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION**

> How Do They Operate? Training Sites & the "Curriculum"

Tactics & Strategies

> Financing Terrorism:
>
> Fundraising Organizations
>
> State Sponsors
>
> Narco-terrorism
>
> How Is the Media Used as a Weapon by Both Sides?

III. **TERRORISM CASE STUDIES**

> U.S. Domestic Hate Groups: Oklahoma City
>
> The PLO
>
> Al Qaeda
>
> An Alternative View---M. Ruppert

#### COUNTERING TERRORISM

> The Fragility of Human Social Structure
>
> Redressing Grievances & the Geo-Political Strategy
>
> Who Is In Charge?
>
> The Functions of Emergency Management
>
> Traditional U.S. Military Activities & Responses

The Bush Doctrine & Homeland Security

> The Approach of Others:
>
> Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Israel

So, What *Is* the Goal?

> Either/Or . . . Short Term/Long Term?
>
> Global Village?

**EXAM 2 -- PLEASE BRING BLUE BOOKS !**

##### COURSE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ahmed, Akbar S. 1992. *Postmodernism & Islam: Predicament & Promise.*
London:

Routledge.

\@Ahmed, Akbar S. 2002. *Islam Today. A Short Introduction to the Muslim
World.*

New York: Tauris Publishers.

Bergen, Peter L. 2001. *Holy War, Inc. Inside the Secret World of Osama
bin Laden.*

New York: The Free Press.

\*Beres, L.R. 1997. "Preventing the Ultimate Nightmare: Nuclear
Terrorism Against the

United States." *International Journal of Intelligence and
Counter-Intelligence.*

> 10-3:333-342.

\*Betts, R.K. 1998. "The New Threat of Mass Destruction." *Foreign
Affairs.* 77-1:

26-41.

### \*Christopher, G.W. and Cieslak, T.J., Pavlin, J.A., Eitzen, E.M. 1997. "Biological

Warfare: A Historical Perspective." *Journal of the American Medical*

> *Association.* 278-5:412-417.

Combs, Cindy C. 2002. *Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century.* 3^rd^
Edition. Upper

Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

### Curtis, Russell L. and Zurcher, Louis A. 1974. "Social Movements: An Analytical

Exploration of Organizational Forms." *Social Problems.* 21-3:356-370.

Curtis, Russell L. and Aguirre, Benigno E. 1993. *Collective Behavior
and Social*

*Movements.* New York: Allyn and Bacon.

Drabek, Thomas E. (1986). *Human System Responses to Disaster.*
NY:Springer-Verlag.

Dynes, R.R. 1970. *Organized Behavior in Disaster.* Lexington: Heath
Lexington

Books.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 1999. *Project
Impact---Building a*

*Disaster Resistant Community.* Washington, D.C.: FEMA.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2000. *Emergency Response*

*Guidebook: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of
a*

*Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident.* Washington, D.C.: FEMA.

### Fischer, Henry W. 1996. "What Emergency Management Officials Should Know to

Enhance Mitigation and Effective Disaster Response." *Journal of
Contingencies*

*and Crisis Management.* 4-4:208-17.

Fischer, Henry W. 1998. *Behavioral Response to Chemical and Biological
Terrorism.*

White Paper. Church Falls, Virginia: Research Planning, Inc.

Fischer, Henry W. 1998. *Response to Disaster.* 2^nd^ Edition. Lanham,
MD: University

Press of America.

### \*Fischer, Henry W. 1999. "Dimensions of Biological Terrorism: To What Must We

Mitigate and Respond?" *International Journal of Disaster Prevention
and*

*Management.* 8-1:27-32.

### Fischer, Henry W. 1999. "Using Cyberspace to Enhance Disaster Mitigation, Planning

and Response: Opportunities and Limitations." *Australian Journal of
Emergency*

> *Management.* Spring, 60-63.

Fischer, Henry W. 2000. "Mitigation and Response Planning in a
Bio-Terrorist Attack."

*International Journal of Disaster Prevention and Management.*
9-5:360-367.

### \*Fischer, Henry W. 2002. "Terrorism and 11 September 2001: Does the 'Behavioral

Response to Disaster' Model Fit?" *International Journal of Disaster
Prevention*

*and Management.* 11-3.

Fischer, Michael M.J. 1980. *Iran: From Religious Dispute to
Revolution.* Cambridge:

Harvard University Press.

Fischer, Michael M.J. & Mehdi Abedi. 1990. *Debating Muslims: Cultural
Dialogues in*

*Postmodernity & Tradition.* Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press.

Franz, D.R. and Jahrling, P.B., Friedlander, A.M., McClain, D.J.,
Hoover, D.L., Bryne,

W.R., Pavlin, J.A., Christopher, G.W., Eitzen, E.M. 1997. "Clinical
Recognition

and Management of Patients Exposed to Bioloogical Warfare Agents."
*Journal of*

*the American Medical Association.* 278-5:399-411.

Friedman, Thomas. 1990. *From Beirut to Jerusalem.* London: Fontana.

### Gamson, William A. 1975. *The Strategy of Social Protest.* Homewood, IL: Dorsey

### Press.

### Gray, J. 1981. "Characteristic Patterns of and Variations in Community Response to

Acute Chemical Emergencies." *Journal of Hazardous Materials.*
4:357-365.

\*Holloway, H.C. and Norwood, A.E., Fullerton, C.S., Engel, C.C.,
Ursano, R.J. 1997.

"The Threat of Biological Weapons: Prophylaxis and Mitigation of
Psychological

> and Social Consequences." *Journal of the American Medical
> Association.* 278-5:425-427.

Kepel, Gilles. 2002. *Jihad. The Trail of Political Islam.* Cambridge:
Harvard

University Press.

Lewis, Bernard. 2002. *What Went Wrong? Western Impact & Middle Eastern*

*Response.* New York: Oxford University Press.

Maniscalco, Paul M. & Hank T. Christen. 2002. *Understanding Terrorism &
Managing*

*the Consequences.* Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

### Marx, Gary T. 1974. «Thoughts on a Neglected Category of Social Movement

### Participation : The Agent Provocateur and the Informant. » *American Journal of*

### *Sociology.* 80:402-442.

### McCarthy, John D. and Zald, Mayer N. 1977. "Resource Mobilization and Social

Movements." *American Journal of Sociology.* 82-6:1212-1241.

Mileti, Dennis S. 1999. *Disaster By Design.* Washington, D.C.: Joseph
Henry Press.

Mileti, Dennis S., Drabek, T.E., and Haas, J.E. 1975. *Human Systems in
Extreme*

*Environments.* The University of Colorado, Boulder: Institute of
Behavioral

Science.

\@Miller, Judith and Engelberg, Stephen, Broad, William. 2001. *Germs:
Biological*

*Weapons and America's Secret War.* New York: Simon and Schuster.

Orum, Anthony M. 1974. "On Participation in Political Protest
Movements." *Journal of*

*Applied Behavioral Science.* 10:181-207.

Osterholm, Michael T. & John Schwartz. 2001. *Living Terrors.* New York:
Delta.

Perry, Joseph B. and Pugh, M.D. 1978. *Collective Behavior: Response to
Social Stress.*

New York: West Publishing.

Piven, Frances Fox and Cloward, R.A. 1977. *Poor People's Movements.*
New York:

Vintage Books.

Presidential Decision Directive-39 (PDD-39). 1995. *United States Policy
on Counter-*

*Terrorism.* Washington, D.C.: The White House.

Preston, Richard. 1995. *The Hot Zone.* New York: Anchor Books.

Preston, Richard. 1997. *The Cobra Event.* New York: Random House.

\@Preston, Richard. 2002. *The Demon in the Freezer.* New York: Random
House.

Quarantelli, E.L. (Ed.) 1978. *Disasters : Theory and Research.* Beverly
Hills: Sage.

Quarantelli, E.L. (Ed.) 1998. *What is a Disaster ?* London: Routledge.

Rashid, Ahmed. 2002. *Jihad. The Rise of Militant Islam in Central
Asia.* New Haven:

Yale University Press.

Smelser, Neil J. 1963. *Theory of Collective Behavior.* New York: Free
Press.

Simon, J.D. 1997. "Biological Terrorism: Preparing to Meet the Threat."
*Journal of the*

*American Medical Association.* 278-5:428-430.

Simonsen, Clifford E. & Jeremy R. Spindlove. 2000. *Terrorism Today.*
Upper Saddle

River: Prentice Hall.

Snow, Donald M. 2002. *September 11, 2001---The New Face of War?* New
York:

Longman.

Stallings, Robert A. 1995. *Promoting Risk.* New York: Aldine de
Gruyter.

Steinbruner. J.D. 1997. "Biological Weapons: A Plague Upon All Houses."
*Foreign*

*Policy.* Winter, 85-96.

\*Tucker, D. 1998. "Responding to Terrorism." *The Washington
Quarterly.* Winter, 103

-117.

Turner, Ralph H. and Killian, Lewis M. 1987. *Collective Behavior.*
3^rd^ Edition.

Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Weber, Max. 1962. *The Protestant Work Ethic & the Spirit of
Capitalism.* London:

Allen & Unevin.

Whittaker, David J. 2001. *The Terrorism Reader.* London: Routledge.

Williams, Paul L. 2002. *Al Qaeda---Brotherhood of Terror.* Upper Saddle
River: Alpha.

Wood, James L. and Jackson, Maurice. 1982. *Social Movements:
Development,*

*Participation, and Dynamics.* Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Zald, Mayer N. and McCarthy, John D. 1979. *The Dynamics of Social
Movements.*

Cambridge: Winthrop Publishers.

\*Zilinskas, R.A. 1997. "Iraq's Biological Weapons: The Past as Future?"
*Journal of the*

*American Medical Association.* 278-5:418-427.