Course Syllabus

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FES4884

Course Syllabus

Course Information

Course Number

FES 4884

Course Title

Introduction to Emergency Management of Terrorism

Credit Hours

3

Semester

Spring 2025

Course Format

100% Online

Contact Information

Instructor

Dr. Chris Reynolds, CEM 

Phone Number

813-309-1948

Email

chris.reynolds@ufl.edu

Office Hours

By appointment over Zoom Conferences. You can email me at any time.

If you have a question that is not specific to you, consult the Course Questions Forum. It's likely that others have the same questions. 

For personal questions, send me an email through the Canvas Inbox. If you have an urgent message, you can email me directly at chris.reynolds@ufl.edu or call me at 813-309-1948. Leave a message if I do not answer. I will respond to all student inquiries within 24-48 hours. If it is urgent, please contact me immediately.

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and practice of terrorism and terrorist events. This course introduces the threat of terrorism and its impact on community preparedness by identifying the concepts of terrorism. The course compares and contrasts the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society by critiquing past terrorism preventative measures and analyzing terrorism's impacts on society.

Purpose of the Course

 The course provides an overview of the terror threat faced by emergency managers.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Recognize the threat of terrorism and its impact on community preparedness.
  2. Identify the concepts of terrorism.
  3. Describe specific ways to reduce the terror threat.
  4. Compare and contrast the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society.
  5. Critique past terrorism preventative measures.
  6. Analyze terrorism's impacts on society.

Course Requirements

Required Textbook

There is no required textbook. All required readings will be provided on Canvas. 

Recommended Resources

The following resources are recommended but not required: 

  1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
  2. DHS & FEMA. (2005). Emergency Response to Terrorism: Job Aid. United States Govt Printing Office. (ISBN: 9780160724343)
  3. Martin, C. A. (2019). Understanding Homeland Security. SAGE Publications. (ISBN: 9781544355825)

You can also access information on APA style through the UF George A Smathers Library or the Purdue University Online Writing Laboratory. 

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. However, students participating in and completing this course are expected to have the skills and abilities to conduct research using a variety of resources, assimilate the information contained in those resources, and make the appropriate inferences.

To be successful, students should have knowledge of basic emergency response principles. Students should have the skills to effectively communicate through writing and presentations. In all of the writing assignments, grammar and content will be considered, as well as accuracy. All students should have an undergraduate degree.

Minimum Technology Requirements

The University of Florida expects students entering an online program to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to their degree program. Most computers are capable of meeting the following general requirements. A student’s computer configuration should include:

  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Broadband connection to the internet and related equipment (cable/DSL modem)
  • Microsoft Office Suite installed (provided by the university)

Minimum Technical Skills

To complete your tasks in this course, you will need a basic understanding of operating a computer and using word processing software. You will need to be able to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to complete course assignments. 

Materials/Supply Fees

There is no supply fee for this course.

Zoom

Zoom is an easy-to-use video conferencing service available to all UF students, faculty, and staff that allows for meetings of up to 100 participants.

You can find resources and help using Zoom at the University of Florida's Zoom website.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

The course is designed in module format. You should check the site at least once a week. You are required to complete the assignments, including discussion questions, within the time period designated in the module. Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with UF's Attendance Policies. 

Make-Up Policy

You must contact me if you are going to be late on any assignment to receive credit.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

AI-generated content is prohibited for academic papers. You must demonstrate your own knowledge and critical thinking. However, AI tools for research, proofreading, and citation management are allowed to aid and enhance the writing process. Proper attribution of AI-generated content is required if used for supporting research.

Assignment Policy

All assignments have a due date. Please be sure to check the date and time it is due in each module.

As this is an online class, you are responsible for observing all posted due dates and are encouraged to be self-directed and take responsibility for your learning.

Grading Policy

Grading is based on a point system. You divide the total number of earned points into the total amount of points available to determine your grade.

Feedback on all graded assignments is typically provided within 5 business days of the due date.

Course Grading Policy

Assignment Points
Discussions  250
Reaction Papers 300
Final Project 200
TOTAL 750

Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percentage
A 93.0-100
A- 90.0-92.9
B+ 87.0-89.9
B 83.0-86.9
B- 80.0-82.9
C+ 77.0-79.9
C 73.0-76.9
C- 70.0-72.9
D+ 67.0-69.9
D 63.0-66.9
D- 60.0-62.9
F <60

See the current UF grading policies for more information.

 UF Policies

University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability Resource Center (352-392-8565) by providing appropriate documentation. Once registered, students will receive an accommodation letter that must be presented to the instructor when requesting accommodation. Students with disabilities should follow this procedure as early as possible in the semester.

University Policy on Academic Conduct

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge, which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code." On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor or TAs in this class.

Plagiarism

The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code states that:

"A Student must not represent as the Student’s own work all or any portion of the work of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  • Stealing, misquoting, insufficiently paraphrasing, or patch-writing.
  • Self-plagiarism, which is the reuse of the Student’s own submitted work, or the simultaneous submission of the Student’s own work, without the full and clear acknowledgment and permission of the Faculty to whom it is submitted.
  • Submitting materials from any source without proper attribution.
  • Submitting a document, assignment, or material that, in whole or in part, is identical or substantially identical to a document or assignment the Student did not author."

 Course Schedule

Module  Readings
 		Videos Assignments
Orientation

Syllabus 

Review course content

Course Introduction

Syllabus Quiz

Introduce Yourself Discussion

Module 1

Part 1: Terrorism Concepts & Community Preparedness

DHS Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence 

DHS Homeland Threat Assessment

Module 1 Lecture

"Terrorism: Foreign and Domestic"

—

Module 1

Part 2: History of Terrorism

"The Theoretical and Conceptual Understanding of Terrorism: A Content Analysis Approach" 

"Defining Terrorism" 

"100 Years of Terror: A Legacy of Violence"

Module 1: Reaction Paper

Module 2

Part 1: The Role of the Media

Sections 1-3 in Terrorism and the Media: A Handbook for Journalists

Terrorism, the Media, and the Government 

Module 2 Lecture

"Choosing the Enemy: Media Narratives Around Terrorism"

—

Module 2 

Part 2: Jihad

Media Jihad: The Islamic State's Doctrine for Information Warfare 

Parts 1-3 in Hamas, CAIR, and the Muslim Brotherhood: The Secret Plot to Destroy America

 

—

Module 2: Discussion

Module 3

Part 1: Terrorist Designation

18USC Chapter 113B: Terrorism

USC Section 2656f

Combating Terrorism: Foreign Terrorist Organization Designation Process and U.S. Agency Enforcement Actions 

Module 3 Lecture

"Conference on Counter-Terrorism, Terror, & Ideology Panel"

—

Module 3

Part 2: Hostages and Negotiation

"Modern Day Hostage (Crisis) Negotiation: The Evolution of an Art Form within the Policing Arena"  

"The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators"

Module 3: Reaction Paper

Module 4

Part 1: Contemporary Terrorism

"Chapter 2: Terrorism Trends and Prospects" in Countering the New Terrorism

DCSINT Handbook No. 1.03: Suicide Bombing in the COE

Module 4 Lecture

—

Module 4

Part 2: Suicide Bombings

"The Rise and Spread of Suicide Bombing" 

—

Module 4: Discussion

Module 5

Part 1: Counter-Terrorism–Education and Domestic Preparedness

National Strategy for Counterterrorism of the United States of America 

National Preparedness Guidelines 

Module 5 Lecture

—

Module 5

Part 2: Counter-Terrorism–Safety

Sections 1-5, Terrorism Awareness and Education as a Prevention Strategy for First Responders

FDNY Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Strategy

—

Module 5: Reaction Paper

Module 6 

Part 1: Domestic Terrorism–Radicalizing and Recruiting

"The Domestic Terrorism Threat in the United States" 

Lone Wolf Terrorism in America: Using Knowledge of Radicalization Pathways to Forge Prevention Strategies

Module 6 Lecture

—

Module 6

Part 2: Domestic Terrorism–Motives

Domestic Terrorism: An Overview

—

Module 6: Discussion

Module 7 

Future of Terrorism

Future of DHS Project: Key Findings and Recommendations

Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community

"Dark Web, Cyber Terrorism and Cyber Warfare: Dark Side of the Cyberspace"

Module 7 Lecture

Module 7: Discussion

Course Summary & Final Project

—

Course Summary & Final Project Lecture

Final Project

 Netiquette

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when you communicate with both your peers and your instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are known as netiquette.

Security

Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.

  • Don't share your password with anyone.
  • Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
  • Always log out when you are finished using the system.

General Guidelines

When communicating online:

  • Treat the instructor with respect, even via email or in any other online communication.
  • Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof., or if you are unsure, use Mr. or Ms.
  • Unless specifically invited, don’t refer to a professor by their first name.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Remember that all college-level communication should have correct spelling and grammar.
  • Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.”
  • Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman and use a size 12 or 14-point font.
  • Avoid using the caps lock feature, AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.
  • Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) .
  • Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm, as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post, and your message might be taken seriously or be construed as being offensive.
  • Be careful with personal information (both yours and others).
  • Do not send confidential information via email.

Email 

When you send an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates:

  • Use a descriptive subject line.
  • Be brief.
  • Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.
  • Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.
  • Sign your message with your name and return email address.
  • Think before you send the email to more than one person. Does everyone really need to see your message?
  • Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you click “Reply All.”
  • Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed along before you click the “Forward” button.

Discussion Boards

When posting on the discussion board in your online class:

  • Check to see if anyone already asked your question and received a reply before posting to the discussion board.
  • Remember your manners and say please and thank you when asking something of your classmates or instructor.
  • Be open-minded.
  • If you ask a question and many people respond, summarize all posts for the benefit of the class.
  • When posting:
    • Make posts that are on-topic and within the scope of the course material.
    • Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.
    • Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.
    • Don’t repeat someone else’s post without adding something of your own to it.
    • Take your posts seriously. Review and edit your posts before sending them.
    • Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” You should include why you agree or add to the previous point.
    • If you refer to something that was said in an earlier post, quote a few key lines so readers do not have to go back and figure out which post you are referring to.
    • Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.
    • If you reply to a classmate’s question make sure your answer is correct, don’t guess.
    • Always be respectful of others’ opinions, even when they differ from your own.
    • When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way.
    • Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
    • Do not write anything sarcastic or angry; it always backfires.
    • Do not type in ALL CAPS. If you do, IT WILL LOOK LIKE YOU ARE YELLING.

Zoom 

When attending a Zoom class or meeting:

  • Do not share your Zoom classroom link or password with others.
  • Even though you may be alone at home, your professor and classmates can see you! While attending class in your pajamas is tempting, remember that wearing clothing is not optional. Dress appropriately.
  • Your professor and classmates can also see what is behind you, so be aware of your surroundings.
  • Make sure the background is not distracting or something you would not want your classmates to see.
    • When in doubt, use a virtual background. If you choose to use one, you should test the background out first to make sure your device can support it.
    • Your background can express your personality, but be sure to avoid using backgrounds that may contain offensive images and language.
  • Mute is your friend, especially when you are in a location that can be noisy. Don’t leave your microphone open if you don’t have to.
  • If you want to speak, you can raise your hand (click the “raise hand” button at the center bottom of your screen) and wait to be called upon.

Getting Help

Technical Difficulties

For help with technical issues or difficulties with Canvas, please contact the UF Computing Help Desk at:

Any requests for make-ups (assignments, exams, etc.) due to technical issues should be accompanied by the ticket number received from the UF Computing Help Desk when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You should email your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Health and Wellness

  • U Matter, We Care: If you or someone you know is in distress, please email umatter@ufl.edu, call 352-392-1575, or visit U Matter We Care to refer or report a concern, and a team member will reach out to the student in distress.
  • Counseling and Wellness Center: Visit the UF Counseling & Wellness Center website or call 352-392-1575 for information on crisis services and non-crisis services.
  • Student Health Care Center: Call 352-392-1161 for 24/7 information to help you find the care you need, or visit the UF Student Health Care Center website.
  • University Police Department: Visit the UF Police Department website or call 352-392-1111 (or 9-1-1 for emergencies).
  • UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center: For immediate medical care in Gainesville, call 352-733-0111, or go to the emergency room at 1515 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608; Visit the UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center website.

Academic and Student Support

 Course Evaluations

Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available on the GatorEvals Providing Constructive Feedback FAQ page. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via the GatorEvals website. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at the GatorEvals Public Results page. More information about UF's course evaluation system can be found at the GatorEvals Faculty Evaluations website.

 Privacy and Accessibility Policies

For information about the privacy policies of the tools used in this course, see the links below: 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due