Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy
Printed Curriculum [$25]
Downloadable Curriculum [$20]
Class Set [$12.50 ea] (10 min)
Sixth edition. October 2008.
Overview
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Americans watched in horror as an unthinkable drama unfolded. Terrorist attacks had been successfully launched against the United States on American soil. The initial questions of who would execute such an attack and why were soon followed by other questions: How should we respond to the terrorists? Are there more attacks planned and what will be their nature? How do we protect ourselves against future attacks? In the weeks and months following September 11, Americans would focus on finding answers to all the difficult questions that were raised that morning.
Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy engages students in consideration of the issues surrounding the 9.11.01 attacks in a constructive context and promotes dialogue about future policy directions.
Readings
Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy provides extensive background reading.
- Part I traces the history and evolution of terrorism, showing how the tactics and objectives have changed from the French Revolution to the present.
- Part II looks specifically at Al Qaeda and the events of September 11. The role of political Islam is examined, as is U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
- Part III provides background on the range of responses to terrorism currently under debate, with consideration as to why we are targets, what the possible threats are, and what issues complicate the response.
The Choices Role Play
At the core of the curriculum unit is a framework of four distinct policy options that allows students to consider a range of alternatives for U.S. policy toward terrorism. By exploring a wide-ranging spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the values underlying specific policy recommendations and the trade-offs that accompany each of the choices.
Lessons
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy contains a day-by-day lesson and student activities:
- Day One attempts to arrive at a working definition of terrorism through the use of case studies.
- Day Two offers students the opportunity to examine differing perspectives on the issues raised by September 11 using political cartoons from the United States and around the world.
- Days Three and Four feature a simulation in which students assume the role of advocates for the four options. It is followed by deliberation on the pros and cons of each.
- Day Five engages students in developing their own options and applying their views to hypothetical crises.