Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today
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.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 13 hours
- Course by Duke University
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Offered by
About
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.Modules
Week 1: Course Overview
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1
Videos
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3
Readings
1
Videos
- David Schanzer Biography
3
Readings
- Course Overview
- Assessments and Grading
- Discussion Forums
Week 1: The 9/11 Attacks
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Understanding 9/11
- What Happened Here
Week 1: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 1: Required Reading
Week 2: What Is Terrorism?
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- State vs. Non-State Actors
- War vs. Crime
Week 2: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 2: Required Reading
How to Write a Policy Memo
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6
Videos
6
Videos
- Online Resource Search - Catherine Shreve
- How to Write a Policy Memo - Overview
- How to Write a Policy Memo - Heading and Background
- How to Write a Policy Memo - Analysis and Summary
- How to Write a Policy Memo - Revision
- How to Write a Policy Memo - Proofread
Week 3: A Primer on Islam - A Conversation with Imam Abdullah Antepli
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13
Videos
13
Videos
- Beginnings of Islam
- Early Muslim Civilization
- What Muslims Believe
- The Core Practices of Islam
- What is Shariah Law
- Shariah and the Rule of Law
- What is Jihad'?
- The Sword Verses
- Osama bin Laden’s Use of Religion
- Women in Islam
- Women, Islam, & Culture
- The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11- Part 1
- The Muslim-American Experience Post 9/11 - Part 2
Week 3: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 3: Required Reading
Week 4: The al Qai'da Ideology
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9
Videos
9
Videos
- An Ideology of Grievance
- Biography of Sayyid Qutb
- Qutb’s Milestones and a Muslim Revival
- Qutb and Jihad
- Roots of al Qaeda
- Osama Bin Laden’s Ideology
- Terminology: What Is Islamism?
- Elements of the al Qai’da Ideology
- Flaws in the al Qai’da Ideology
Week 4: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 4: Required Reading
Week 5: The Radicalization Process
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6
Videos
6
Videos
- Flawed Theories of Radicalization
- Radicalization as a Complex Process
- Multiple Pathways to Radicalization
- The Role of Opportunities & Chance
- The Power of Online Radicalization with Peter Neumann part 1
- The Power of Online Radicalization with Peter Neumann, part 2
Week 5: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 5: Required Reading
Untitled Lesson
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Peer Assessment #1
Week 6: Counterterrorism Before 9/11
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8
Videos
8
Videos
- The NeoCon Critique: American Weakness
- The Liberal Critique: American Empire
- The Realist Perspective
- Early Efforts to Address a Growing Threat
- Slow Change in the Agencies - Airport Security
- Slow Change in the Agencies - FBI, CIA, DOD
- Stopping Bin Laden Prior to 9/11 - Part 1
- Stopping Bin Laden Prior to 9/11 - Part 2
Week 6: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 6: Required Reading
Week 7: September 12, 2001
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8
Videos
8
Videos
- Challenges on September 12, 2001
- Intelligence and Policy Failures
- Interview with Juan Zarate - Part 1
- Interview with Juan Zarate - Part 2
- Where Did ISIS Come From
- What Does ISIS Believe
- Violent Extremism in the United States
- 9/11 & The Modern Middle East
Week 7: Required Reading
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Week 7: Required Reading
Peer Assignment #2
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Peer Assessment #2
Auto Summary
Discover the key forces behind the 9/11 attacks and the evolution of terrorism in "Understanding 9/11: Why 9/11 Happened & How Terrorism Affects Our World Today." Offered by Coursera, this foundational course delves into al-Qaeda's ideology, radicalization processes, and U.S. policy responses. Ideal for those interested in personal development, the course spans 780 minutes and is available through Starter and Professional subscription options.
David Schanzer