Week 3 Assignment – Developing a Theory of Terrorism
Classroom Resources:
1. Moral Psychology of Terrorism (2013) Introduction
2. Horgan, J. G. (2017). Psychology of terrorism: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist, 72(3), 199-204. doi:10.1037/amp0000148
3. Reich, W. (1998) Origins of terrorism: Psychologies, ideologies, theologies, states of mind. Washington DC: Woodrow Wilson Center Press
4. Jaber, H. (1999) Hezbollah: Born with a vengeance. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
5. Toolis, K. (1997) Rebel hearts: Journeys within the IRA’s soul. St. Martin’s Press.
6. Randal, J. (2011) Osama: The making of a terrorist. New York, NY, Knoph.
Instructions:
· Craft a five (5) to six (6) page paper developing a model or theory of terrorism.
· Using any combination of theoretical, social, cultural, or other propositions from the course materials, create your model/theory in such a way that it best represents your understanding of the motivations of terrorism.
· Ground the theory developed in psychological, social, political, religious, or other foundational basis.
· Identify the ways in which terrorist behavior is influenced by internal, environmental, and socio-cultural factors.
· In your model/theory, some areas you may want to discuss are the psychological motivations, perceptions of reward, social factors, influence of the group, religious motivations, political motivations, inspiring others, and other similar areas.
· Provide details and examples of existing models/theories and terrorism events within your work.
· Details and examples should substantiate your model/theory, providing support for the propositions made.
· Close with a brief discussion of the effectiveness of terrorism in meeting the goals of the organization or the individual actor.
· Include references to the available course materials, citing a minimum of two (2) course sources.
· Papers should be formatted according to 6th edition APA style.
· Include a separate title page.
· In-text citations.
· Reference page for all sources cited in-text.
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Criterion |
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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Needs Improvement
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Unsatisfactory |
Score |
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Theory development 20 points possible |
Student develops a comprehensive theory of terrorist behavior drawn from the combination of theoretical propositions presented in the course materials. |
Student develops a reasonably detailed theory of terrorist behavior drawn from the combination of theoretical propositions presented in the course materials. |
Student develops a basic theory of terrorist behavior, the theoretical propositions found in course materials are not adequately utilized. |
An inappropriate or inadequate theory is presented in the work. |
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Foundational basis 20 possible points |
Student grounds the developed theory of terrorist behavior based upon internal, environmental, or socio-cultural factors, explaining the relationships established between the selected basis and the act of terrorism. |
Student grounds the developed theory of terrorist behavior based upon internal, environmental, or socio-cultural factors, some details may be lacking in explaining the relationships between the selected basis and the act of terrorism. |
Student identifies a factor upon which the theory is grounded; examination of the relationships between the foundational basis and the act of terrorism were not explored. |
The foundational basis of the developed theory was not addressed in the work. |
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Examples of existing theory 20 possible points |
Student provides details and examples of existing models, theories, and terrorism events within the work to substantiate the developed theory. Specific details and resources are included as references in this section of the work. |
Student provides details and examples of existing models, theories, and terrorism events within the work to substantiate the developed theory. Specific details and resources may be lacking. |
Student provides minimal details and examples of existing models, theories, and terrorism events. Specific details and resources are minimal or not included as references in this section of the work. |
No details and examples of existing theory and models were presented. |
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Examine effectiveness 20 possible points |
Student examines the effectiveness of terrorist acts; identifying in detail whether goals, means, and methods employed have the intended effect, including support from course or other published materials. |
Student examines the effectiveness of terrorist acts; including support from course or other published materials. |
Student examines the effectiveness of terrorist acts; supporting information may not be included. |
Effectiveness of terrorist acts is not examined in the work. |
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Writing 10 possible points
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Writing is clear, organizationally sound, grammar, spelling, and typographical errors are not present or do not distract from the presentation of the work. |
Writing is clear, with generally well developed organizational structure, some grammar, spelling, and typographical errors are present, minimally decreasing the quality of the work. |
Writing lacks clarity and organization. Mechanical and usage errors are present throughout the work, severely decreasing the quality and presentation. |
Writing contains minimal clarity, organization, and has severe mechanical and usage errors, making the work incomprehensible. |
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Formatting 10 possible points |
Work adheres to APA formatting style, includes 5 to 6 pages, with the required title, and reference pages, in-text citations, with no formatting errors. |
Work adheres to APA formatting style, includes 5 to 6 pages, with the required title, and reference pages, in-text citations, with minimal formatting errors. |
Work does not adhere to APA formatting style, missing significant aspects required, containing major formatting errors. |
Work contains no formatting. |
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Total 100 possible points |
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