Announcing Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
A New Course for Fall 2007 semester
Course Description
This course is an advanced seminar on understanding the complex
nature of the potential terror threat from weapons of mass
destruction. Cadets will explore the basic principles of chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons, and examine
the stated intentions and possible capabilities of various
terror groups (including al Qaeda) acquiring and using these
weapons. The course will be taught by Dr. James Forest, director
of terrorism studies in the Combating Terrorism Center, and
will include several guest lectures from faculty throughout
West Point as well as from various agencies within the Department
of Defense and U.S. government.
Course topics will include:
-
The Rise
of Complex Terrorism
-
Terrorist
Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction: How Serious is the Threat?
-
WMD and
Lessons from the Anthrax Attacks
-
Characteristics
and Myths of Nuclear Terrorist Weapons
-
Unraveling
the A. Q. Khan and Future Proliferation Networks
-
Dispersing
Radiation: The Dirty Bomb and Other Devices
-
Reactors
and Radiological Attacks after September 11
-
Biotechnology
and Bioterrorism Defense: Controlling the Unknown
-
Chemical
Terrorism: Assessing Threats and Responses
-
Planting
Fear: How Real is the Threat of Agricultural Terrorism
-
Cybersecurity
and Critical Infrastructure Protection
-
Case Studies:
Aum Shinrikyo, Jemaah Islamiyah, the London Ricin Plot,
etc.
-
Consequence
Management
-
Nonproliferation
Regimes
-
Counterproliferation
and U.S. National Security
-
U.S. Pre-War
Intelligence on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction
-
Emerging
WMD Technologies
Administrative Details
When: This course will be offered as SS490B during the fall
semester (ONLY), beginning 2007. Enrollment will be limited,
so have your DAC enter this on your 8TAP soon!
Prerequisites: Cadets wishing to enroll in this course should
have completed SS474: Terrorism and Counterterrorism, but
exceptions are allowed by the instructor (e-mail james.forest@usma.edu
for more information).
Minor: This course WILL count towards the completion of the
Minor in Terrorism Studies. For more information on this Minors
program, see http://www.ctc.usma.edu/education/minor.asp
For more information, please e-mail james.forest@usma.edu
or call x5055
