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New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism

Approx. 4 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about the history and ideologies behind terrorism and violent extremism, and explore various strategies for countering them.

Key Learning Points

Gain a thorough understanding of the root causes and motivations behind terrorism and violent extremism
Explore various strategies for countering terrorism and violent extremism, including prevention, intervention, and law enforcement
Learn from experts in the field through case studies, interviews, and interactive simulations

Learning Outcomes

Understand the history and ideologies behind terrorism and violent extremism
Analyze and evaluate various strategies for countering terrorism and violent extremism
Develop practical skills for preventing, intervening, and responding to terrorism and violent extremism

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of political and social issues
Ability to engage in critical thinking and analysis
Access to a computer with internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced online course
Interactive simulations
Case studies
Interviews

Similar Courses

Understanding Terrorism and the Terrorist Threat
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Bruce Hoffman
Jessica Stern

Related Books

Description

The “New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism” course offered by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), is a multi-week interactive course designed to help students explore both pragmatic and philosophical challenges that continue to shape the evolution of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), a global security paradigm. START, a Department of Homeland Security Emeritus Center of Excellence and research, training, and education center housed at the University of Maryland within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS), serves as a leading voice in the national and international dialogue regarding CVE. START’s Director and the course instructor, Bill Braniff, will introduce the concept of CVE and explore the promise of CVE as a more comprehensive and proactive approach to the complex phenomenon of violent extremism.

This 3.5 hour course will take an in-depth look at CVE as a relatively new area of policy and practice. As such, this MOOC can serve as an awareness-raising course, targeting anyone interested in terrorism, community resilience, security, policy and/or civil rights issues. The course is broadly interdisciplinary and has no prerequisites. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Differentiate between two ways of addressing violent extremism: counterterrorism (CT) and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE); 2. Explain the CVE spectrum of non-violent approaches to countering terror, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation/reintegration programs; 3. Make sound analytical judgments about CVE programs and their potential. START also offers a range of other online educational programs, including: 1. Summer/Winter Courses: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/summerwinter-courses 2. Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Security and Terrorism Studies: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/master-professional-studies-online 3. Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis: https://www.start.umd.edu/education/graduate-certificate-online

Outline

Introduction
Introduction
Syllabus

MODULE 1
Introduction
Discussion of Violent Extremism
Lesson 2: Theories and Mechanisms of Radicalization
Lesson 3: Profiles of Radicalization in the United States
Lesson 4: Prison Radicalization
Lesson 5: Radicalization Push-Pull Factors
Module 1 Quiz

MODULE 2
Introduction
Lesson 1: The Promise and Challenges of CVE
Lesson 2: The Spectrum of Efforts
Lesson 3: CVE Taxonomy
Lesson 4: What Makes Community Members Willing to Engage with Law Enforcement
Lesson 5: The Role of Mental Health Professionals
Lesson 6: The Role of Former Violent Extremists in CVE
Lesson 7: The Role of Communities and Bystanders
Lesson 8: Overcoming Resistance to CVE
Module 2 Quiz

MODULE 3
Introduction
Lesson 1: DOVE Model
Lesson 2: CVE Programs Around the World- The Muslim Public Council's Safe Spaces
Lesson 3: CVE Programs Around the World- Exit USA
Lesson 4: CVE Programs Around the World- Peer To Peer
Lesson 5: CVE Programs Around the World- Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership in Mali
Lesson 6: CVE Programs Around the World- Singapore's Religious Rehabilitation Group
Lesson 7: CVE Programs Around the World- Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of FARC
Lesson 8: CVE Programs Around the World- Deradicalization of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Lesson 9: CVE Programs Around the World- Saudi Arabia's Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare Program
Module 3 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

This course on countering terror and violent extremism has received positive reviews overall. Many users found the course content to be informative and engaging. However, some users experienced technical issues with the platform.