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TERRORISM TODAY

UNIT 6: COUNTERTERRORISM

Since 9/11, the United States has worked to eradicate terrorist groups.  However, questions have risen over how the government goes about ensuring national security.  From controversial legislation beginning with the USA PATRIOT Act to the killing of American citizen Anwar Al-Awlaki without trial, the expansion of federal power has citizens questioning the protection of their civil liberties.  Students will evaluate and debate U.S. policy in order to prevent future terrorist attacks and ultimately decide what they feel is the best defense against terrorist groups. 

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  • Does terrorism have a future?

  • How do you effectively combat terrorism?

  • How much power should a government exert to stop terror?

  • Should the government be able to limit personal freedoms to combat the war on terror?

  • How has technology changed the way governments fight terrorism?

  • To what extent should a state be able to covertly operate to stop terrorism?

  • Are America’s counterterrorism efforts working or are they creating more terrorists?

  • Should terrorists be allowed rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution?

  • Is democracy a “cure-all” for terrorism?

Essential Questions

VIDEOS

Videos
National Counterterrorism Center

  • What is the role of the National Counterterrorism Center?

  • When and how did the National Counterterrorism Center come to exist?

The Pros and Cons of Drone Warfare

  • Are drone strikes an effective counterterrorism strategy?

  • Do drone strikes create more terrorists?

Torture: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
*DISCLAIMER: There are use of two profanities in the clip

  • Should torture be used on suspected terrorists?

  • Does the use of torture violate American principles?

State of Surveillance: VICE Interview with Edward Snowden
*DISCLAIMER: There is use of one profanity during the episode

  • How has technology changed the way the government fights terrorism?

  • Should privacy be sacrificed for the protection of life?

  • Is Edward Snowden a hero or a traitor?

Are U.S. Police Too Militarized?

  • Are U.S. police too militarized?

  • What is the 1033 Program?

  • Does police militarization make certain groups feel marginalized?

Naif Al-Mutawa: Superheroes Inspired by Islam

  • Is al-Mutawa's comic book an effective way to fight radicalization?

  • Is it better to kill the idea rather than the terrorist in order to stop terrorism?

UNIT SOURCES

Sources
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