Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 340 D100

Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the Mass Media (4)

Class Number: 2899

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

How and why does the mass media influence terrorist activity? What efforts do democratic governments make to counter this form of political violence? Why do such efforts vary across time and countries? Learn about, and contribute to, the evidence-based research focusing on these important questions. Students with credit for POL 349 under the title "Terrorism" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

What are the causes of terrorism and what can governments do to prevent terrorist attacks? What role does the mass media play in stimulating terrorist activity and magnifying terrorist threats? This course introduces students to these and other pressing questions about the use and prevention of terrorism around the world.

Grading

  • Short writing assignments 12%
  • Research project 30%
  • In-class assignments 10%
  • Class participation 8%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings for this course are available on-line and on reserve in the library.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.