Topics in International Studies: Terrorism in Africa

This course is a graduate-level introduction to the terrorism groups that operate on the continent of Africa.  There are highly diverse and complex terrorist groups that influence the local populations that operate on the African continent.  These terrorist groups and individuals pose a challenge to the African organizations that have been organized to address the terrorist threat throughout the continent.  The key drivers and trends of the major terrorist groups that have impacted the continent and have posed a national, a regional and a continental threat in Africa.  The course covers an orientation to African terrorist groups and the spread of their ideology and influence that continue to plague the continent of Africa.  IAS 5940-503 will concentrate on the various terrorist groups that populate and operate in Africa, to include Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Tuareg, Al Qaida, smaller terrorist groups operating in Africa and the most recent group to infiltrate the African continent, the Islamic State Iraq and Syria (ISIS).  As a terrorist group encounters resistance, they find their way to Africa for a haven to flourish and operate. The efforts of the international community as well as the African nations, the African Union and the African Regional Communities to combat the presence of terrorism will be examined in this course.  Students will have an opportunity to focus on a terrorist group in depth and present their findings to the class during the course.

This is a three-credit hour online course. Please see your local Site Director or email our online site coordinator at [email protected]

Student materials are available at the OU Bookstore Website at https://ou.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php. The website has book selling, renting, buying, returning, and order tracking capabilities. If you need help with an order, or if you have any questions contact the toll-free phone at 1-(855)-790-6637, agents are available from 9a – 5p (EST) Monday – Friday. Text prices are available online

All student materials are available on Canvas and there will be no books and no material to purchase. 

The students will access through Canvas to electronic material. Access Canvas at https://canvas.ou.edu, enter your OU NetID and password, and select course to access material. If you require assistance with Canvas, please click on the Help icon. You can search the Canvas guides, chat with Canvas support, or contact OU IT.

E-Book Link: Book here.  A link to the book (you will not purchase this book) will be provided via Canvas.  Portions of the book, by page numbers, will be listed on Canvas (not the entire book).

Books: Scanned Sections (No books to purchase—Professor will place scanned sections on Canvas):

ebook 1: Why Men Rebel, Gurr, TR., 2015

ebook 2: Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Africa: Fighting Insurgency, Soleman, H., 2015

Articles: Listed under each 2-day period on Canvas.  The articles will be related to the African terrorist operations, Terrorist groups and African efforts through the African Union and the African Regional Communities.

All official correspondence from instructors will be sent only to students’ ou.edu address.

Email Account and Canvas: Students are expected to check their OU email accounts and the course site on Canvas daily for updates from the instructor

The spread and growth of terrorism on the continent of Africa has increased in recent years.  The African and international efforts to maintain and restore stability to the area of influence exerted by the terrorism organizations, homegrown and imported, will be examined through the scholarly articles and books as required readings as well as the opportunity to work in a group setting to examine a terrorist group operating in Africa.  The research paper will be the final opportunity for each student to focus on a terrorist group or the response of an African organization or nation to the terrorist activities. This course provides a basic understanding of the geographic, historical, social, cultural, religious, economic, political and military factors affecting the situation in Africa from a terrorist perspective to include government organizations, non-governmental organizations and social movements.   There will be an examination of how African nation-states have utilized the collectivize resources and power to pursue terrorism eradication through a continental and regional approach as well as individual nations The African-perspective of terrorism will enhance awareness of the world of terrorism in Africa, making speed of decision making and analysis important to understand for the IR student.  The dynamics of African interests in the 21^st Century and the African response highlight the need for such a course as it relates to the challenges of the African Union, regional organizations, and nations in addressing terrorism in Africa.

**Pre-Class Assignment:  None**

Students are responsible for thoroughly reading assigned material before class that will aid in their ability to facilitate substantive and meaningful discussion during the class period. Readings are assigned from books and articles that will be posted on Canvas for student use. 

Assessment Grading Criteria:

• Class Participation (Per discussion Posts)                                     25 pts
• Presentation (Slides only—no voice or video presentation)             35 pts
• Final Research Paper: Terrorist Group or African Organization 40 pts

                                                                                                                        100 pts

Class Participation: Discussion Posting (25 Points)

Discussion posting are an important part of a graduate level education.  The instructor will assign each student a participation grade based on the student’s level of participation through required postings.   This course is conducted online, asynchronous. The discussion postings are the best method to demonstrate participation in an online course.

Student Slide Presentation (35 Points): The student will develop a slide presentation tailored to the desired, self-selected, terrorist group that operates on the continent of Africa; home grown or imported.  The topic presented will be selected by the student(s). There is no need to seek permission from the professor. Complete and definitive student presentation criteria will be provided on canvas, along with the template. The papers will be submitted via email by the due date to: [email protected].

Final Paper: (40 Points):  Each student will individually write a research paper (any style citations with reference page at end of paper) based on a topic related to a terrorist group that operates on the continent of Africa (same group used in the Slide Presentation).  The topic/terrorist group may be homegrown or imported to the continent of Africa. The final paper will be no more than 10 pages, to include any charts and pictures that enhance the paper and reference page. Complete and definitive student paper criteria will be provided on canvas, along with the template. The papers will be submitted via email by the due date to: [email protected].

Final Research Paper will be graded on the following:

Substance – Does your work address the assignment? Is your answer logical, supported and organized? Does your material and supporting evidence consist of facts, expert testimony and show evidence of research, reflection and thought? Is your work objective? Analysis should not be opinionated or politically slanted. Objectivity and balanced evaluation must be evident in your work.

Style - Is your writing at the graduate level in terms of syntax, grammar, organization, and usage?

Research - Did you incorporate sophisticated, graduate level research tools? Did you avoid un-refereed tools such as Wikipedia and other types of encyclopedic reference materials? Were your materials current or applicable if historical? Did you cite your work and give proper credit through the reference page?

Format – A final paper format will be provided on canvas. This will be the format to be used for your final.

This is a letter-graded course: A, B, C, D, or F.

Notice: Failure to meet assignment due dates could result in a grade of I (Incomplete) and may adversely impact Tuition Assistance and/or Financial Aid.

If you experience technical problems, contact Information Technology by visiting their website at: http://webapps.ou.edu/it/ or contacting them by telephone at: (405) 325-HELP (4357).

Materials posted on the OU CANVAS system:

Access CANVAS at http://canvas.ou.edu; enter your OU NetID (4+4) and password, and select course to access the material.

Procedures for Completion of Course Evaluation: 

Upon completion of the course students should go to the Advanced Programs Online Learning Information webpage and click on the applicable semester link under “Online Course Evaluation” which will direct them to the evaluation.  The evaluation will take approximately five minutes to complete.  Completion of the online evaluation is an important tool allowing Advanced Programs to gain information and student feedback for improvement of courses.

Your responses will be kept confidential.  They will be reviewed by the department and only supplied to the professor once grades for the course have been submitted.

Materials posted on the OU CANVAS system:

Access CANVAS at http://canvas.ou.edu; enter your OU NetID (4+4) and password, and select course to access material. Please contact your local the IT Help desk at 405-325-HELP if you require assistance.  IT is available 24/7

Statement about the MHR Program Planner and Human Relations Website

Students should become familiar with the MHR Program Planner that was sent to each student upon admission into the program.  The planner has a description of the HR program objectives and requirements, suggestions for graduate study, financial assistance, and graduation information. Of particular interest is the information on the comprehensive exams and the internship.  For further information please visit the Department of Human Relations Website at: http://www.ou.edu/cas/hr

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities.  Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.  Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations in this course.  The Office of Disability Services is located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, phone 405-325-3852 or TDD only 405-325-4173. For more information please see the Disability Resource Center website http://www.ou.edu/drc/home.html

Civility/Inclusivity Statement:

We understand our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Human Relations Department is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:

• share their unique experiences, values and beliefs
• be open to the views of others
• honor the uniqueness of their colleagues
• appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from each other in this community
• value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner
• keep confidential discussions the community has of a personal (or professional) nature
• use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across the University of Oklahoma community.

Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without a penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty.

Attendance/Grade Policy

Attendance and participation in interaction, individual assignments, group exercises, simulations, role playing, etc. are valuable aspects of any course because much of the learning comes from discussions in class with other students. It is expected that you attend all classes and be on time except for excused emergencies.

Excused absences are given for professor mandated activities or legally required activities such as emergencies or military assignments. It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays. Unavoidable personal emergencies, including (but not limited to) serious illness; delays in getting to class because of accidents, etc.; deaths and funerals, and hazardous road conditions will be excused.

If you are obtaining financial assistance (TA, STAP, FA, VA, Scholarship, etc.) to pay all or part of your tuition cost, you must follow your funding agency/institution’s policy regarding “I” (Incomplete) grades unless the timeline is longer than what the University policy allows then you must adhere to the University policy. Students who receive Financial Aid must resolve/complete any “I” (Incomplete) grades by the end of the term or he/she may be placed on “financial aid probation.” If the “I” grade is not resolved/completed by the end of the following term, the student’s Financial Aid may be suspended make the student ineligible for further Financial Aid.

Students are responsible for meeting the guidelines of Tuition Assistance and Veterans Assistance. See the education counselor at your local education center for a complete description of your TA or VA requirements.

OU faculty will submit grades online through ONE not later than 30 days after the course end date. Course end dates are approximately one calendar month after the final seminar date on this syllabus and are provided on the official scheduling website for reference.

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct 

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; grades exist to show how fully this goal is attained. Therefore all work and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort.

Academic misconduct is any act which improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. Misconduct occurs when the student either knows or reasonably should know that the act constitutes misconduct. Academic misconduct includes: cheating and using unauthorized materials on examinations and other assignments; improper collaboration, submitting the same assignment for different classes (self-plagiarism); fabrication, forgery, alteration of documents, lying, etc…in order to obtain an academic advantage; assisting others in academic misconduct; attempting to commit academic misconduct; destruction of property, hacking, etc…; intimidation and interference with integrity process; and plagiarism. All students should review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html 

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. All students should review policies regarding student conduct at http://studentconduct.ou.edu/ 

Accommodation Statement

The University of Oklahoma is committed to making its activities as accessible as possible. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact your local OU Site Director.

Adjustment for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Please see http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html. 

Title IX Resources

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at [email protected] or (405) 325-2215 (8-5), or the Sexual Assault Response Team at (405) 615 -0013 (24/7) to report an incident. To learn more about Title IX, please visit the Institutional Equity Office’s website at http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo.html 

Course Policies

Extended Campus (also and formerly known as Advanced Programs) policy is to order books in paperback if available. Courses, dates, and professors are subject to change. Please check with your OU Site Director. Students should retain a copy of any assignments that are e/mailed to the professor for the course. Neither duplicating services nor office supplies are provided.

Any and all course materials, syllabus, lessons, lectures, etc. are the property of professor teaching the course and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma and are protected under applicable copyright.

For more information about OU Extended Campus, visit our website at: http://www.goou.ou.edu/

Statement on Respect

The classroom should provide a safe learning environment where students can express their views without fear of reprisal. That freedom of expression must be balanced by demonstrated respect for other’s viewpoints and appropriate and reasonable sensitivity, especially within the context of scholarly disagreement.  Disrespectful or uncivil dialogue (including, but not limited to, personal attacks, insults, or harassment) will not be tolerated.

Recording Devices/Phones/Computers

It is important for students to be fully present during class to fully benefit from lectures, discussions, and experiential assignments. Class sessions may not be tape-recorded. All telephones and pagers should be turned off or placed on silent mode. Computers may not be used during class. Students who require an exception to this policy should discuss exceptional circumstances with the professor.

Joseph Martinelli

Education:

PhD, University of Oklahoma

MA, Dartmouth College

MA, Yale University (in Progress)

Current Positions: Retired, Colonel, USAF; Faculty, National Intelligence University, Faculty, Advanced Programs, University of Oklahoma Master of Arts in International Relations.  Assistant Editor, Dartmouth College Liberal Studies Journal, The Clamantis and The Dartmouth College Oral History Reader.

Frequently Taught Advanced Programs Courses: African Peacekeeping and Terrorism in Africa.

Major Areas of Teaching and Research Interest: African Politics and History, Africa Peacekeeping, African Security and Terrorism, US Strategy in Africa, Oral History, Leadership and Research Methods.

Representative Publications and Presentations: Thesis: Training Requirements of the Tactical Analysis Teams in Latin America.  Dissertation: Effectiveness of the African Union Mission in Sudan: US senior perspective 2017.  Dartmouth Text: “Coming to America: Voices of Women from South Asia studying at Dartmouth.” Current article; “Coming to America: Voices of Women from Africa Studying at Dartmouth.”

Representative Honors and Awards Received: Top Company Commander 1988 & 1989, Northeast Region #1 Commandant of Cadets 2002, USAF Field Grade Officer of the Year 2007.

Major Professional Affiliations:  Africa Studies Association