This course will explore the forces that led to the 9/11 attacks and the policies the United States adopted in response. We will examine the phenomenon of modern terrorism, the development of the al Qai'da ideology, and the process by which individuals radicalize towards violence.
Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today
Offered By
Duke University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Week 1: Course Overview and the 9/11 Attacks
In this course, we will examine why al Qai-da attacked America. We will also examine the phenomenon of terrorism, in general, and the radical ideology developed and propagated by Osama bin Laden through al Qaida, more specifically. We will consider why individuals are attracted to this ideology and how they radicalize to violence. We will also explore how the United States addressed terrorism prior to 9/11 and the policy changes the US (and its allies around the globe) faced in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
3 videos (Total 36 min), 4 readings
4 readings
Course Overview10m
Assessments and Grading10m
Discussion Forums10m
Week 1: Required Reading10m
Week
2Week 2: What is Terrorism?
Our topic for this week is, what is terrorism. We will try to define terrorism and understand the actions that we're going to be studying in this course, 9/11 and its aftermath. We will examine one of the key debates in this area; can terrorism be executed by a state, or is it only the use of political violence by a non-state actor. You will also learn how to write a policy memo.
8 videos (Total 59 min), 1 reading
8 videos
War vs. Crime17m
Online Resource Search - Catherine Shreve4m
How to Write a Policy Memo - Overview10m
How to Write a Policy Memo - Heading and Background7m
How to Write a Policy Memo - Analysis and Summary5m
How to Write a Policy Memo - Revision2m
How to Write a Policy Memo - Proofread2m
1 reading
Week 2: Required Reading10m
Week
3Week 3: A Primer on Islam
This week we have a special treat: we will have an extensive conversation with Imam Abdullah Antepli, the Islamic Chaplin here at Duke. We’ll cover a wide range of topics, including Islamic history, law, the role of women and the Muslim experience in the post – 9/11 world.
13 videos (Total 96 min), 1 reading
13 videos
Early Muslim Civilization9m
What Muslims Believe8m
The Core Practices of Islam6m
What is Shariah Law11m
Shariah and the Rule of Law5m
What is Jihad'?6m
The Sword Verses7m
Osama bin Laden’s Use of Religion4m
Women in Islam8m
Women, Islam, & Culture5m
The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11- Part 18m
The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11 - Part 25m
1 reading
Week 3: Required Reading10m
Week
4Week 4: The al Qai'da Ideology
Our topic for this week is the al Qaeda ideology. An ideology is essentially the set of beliefs that an individual, a group, or an organization has to either motivate them or to give that organization purpose. For al Qaeda, of course this is incredibly important because they're trying to motivate individuals to sacrifice their lives for what they view as a great cause.
9 videos (Total 87 min), 1 reading
9 videos
Biography of Sayyid Qutb10m
Qutb’s Milestones and a Muslim Revival8m
Qutb and Jihad8m
Roots of al Qaeda14m
Osama Bin Laden’s Ideology12m
Terminology: What Is Islamism?7m
Elements of the al Qai’da Ideology4m
Flaws in the al Qai’da Ideology4m
1 reading
Week 4: Required Reading10m
4.5
11 ReviewsTop Reviews
By AL•Sep 18th 2018
Excelent, what I love the most was what we learned about Islam, now we can thinking this issues under many points of view.\n\nThanks for sharing your knowledge :D
By SB•Mar 25th 2018
Outstanding course and content; the interviews really enriched my learning.
Instructor
David Schanzer
Associate Professor of the PracticeSanford School of Public Policy
About Duke University
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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