Terrorism is a very important issue in most of the countries these days and especially in the US. Even though many people had already formed an opinion on this problem and how to solve it, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the history as well as causes and consequences of this phenomenon. This seminar will review the conditions and contexts that resulted in the formation of some terrorist organizations around the world. The course will considerer information from different Latin American organizations like Sendero Luminoso (Peru), FARC (Colombia), EZLN (Mexico). Important part of the course will be the study of groups that due to their strategies could be classified as religious terrorism, such as the Christian Patriots and the Anti-Abortion Movement in the USA. Another focal component of the course will be interpreting the role and reaction of the mass media with careful analysis and consideration as to the portrayal of each terrorist organization. This will lead to question the use of certain terminology –such as “freedom fighter” versus “terrorist”— and who determines and applies these terms. Documentaries will complement readings and final evaluation

Course Requirements:

Daily class attendance is required. Students write three academic essays and weekly entries in journals or blogs, and prepare at least one formal presentation. Active participation in daily discussion is expected.

Intended Audience:

RCLang 324 is open to all UM students. RC students must have successfully passed the Spanish Proficiency Exam the previous term or taken another Readings eminar. LSA students must have completed SPANISH 277.

Class Format:

The course meets two times a week and is structured as a seminar with ample discussion among its participants.