FOR 493U/693U

Eco-Terrorism: Its Causes and Impacts

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Exploration of the phenomenon of terrorism in support of environmental or animal rights causes and terrorism directed at environmentalists and animal rights activists; its causes, and impacts upon society, with special emphasis upon natural resource providers.

Instructors

Dr. James P. Armstrong, 204- E Percival Hall, 293-2941, extension 2486, jarmstro@wvu.edu
Dr. Joseph F. McNeel, 322-A Percival Hall, 293-2941, extension 2471, jmcneel@wvu.edu

OFFICE HOURS

Dr. Armstrong:

• I am generally available in my office from 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, except when I am in a scheduled class.  My afternoon hours vary depending upon class schedules and other obligations.
• I cannot guarantee that I will be in the office at any given time since I am often required to attend meetings or perform duties that will take me out of the office or building.
• If I am out of the office, please leave a message and phone number where you can be reached.  I also make it a point to check my e-mail frequently, so feel free to leave a message on e-mail: <jarmstro@wvu.edu>.

We will use electronic mail and the internet to communicate with the class. Students are required to activate their e-mail account.  Please send your e-mail address to <jarmstro@wvu.edu> .

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Gain an understanding of eco-terrorism, its causes and impacts by seeking answers to the following questions:

Eco-terrorism   
What is eco-terrorism?    
What are the differences between lawful protest, civil disobedience and terrorism?    
What is direct action?

Causes
What is is the history of eco-terrorism?    
What organizations engage in and support eco-terrorism?    
Who are the individuals that engage in and support eco-terrorism?    
What are their core beliefs?
What are their objectives?    
What are their tactics?    

Impacts
Who or what are the targets of eco-terrorism?    
How have those targeted been affected?    
Has there been a violent backlash directed at environmental and animal rights activists?    
How is law enforcement dealing with eco-terrorism?
What is the media doing to inform the public about eco-terrorism?    
What has been the government's response to eco-terrorism?    

Foster development of critical thinking and communication skills in examining evidence and discussing  eco-terrorism.

TEXTBOOKS

Arnold, Ronald.  EcoTerror: The Violent Agenda to Save Nature: The World of the Unabomber.   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0939571188/qid%3D1006131249/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F0%5F1/102-0789672-5004169

Chase, Alston.  In a Dark Wood : The Fight over Forests & the Myths of Nature.   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0765807521/qid=1008016181/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_3_1/102-2864264-1752100

CONDUCT OF THE COURSE

Classes will be conducted in seminar format with few formal lectures, some guest speakers, student presentations, and topical discussions.  

CLASS OUTLINE:

This class will have an open-ended syllabus in order to maintain flexibility as the course evolves.    The first two weeks will be structured.  We will use the textbooks as a loose guideline into the semester or use student discussions to divert from the texts onto critical issues.  Dr. Armstrong and Dr. McNeel will have final say as to what subjects will be covered.  Topics to be discussed will be updated periodically during the semester on the course web page.  Your are expected to check the web page once per week to keep informed of changes.  

Tentative Weekly Schedule

SUPPLEMENTAL READING LIST

GRADING:

Class participation/Quality of discussion leadership: 20%
Weekly/bi-weekly assignments: 20%
Mid-term paper: 20%
Final paper: 25%
Final exam: 15%

It is our intention to be fair, reasonable, and constructive in grading student's work. The following information on grading policies is provided to prevent misunderstandings.

Grading in Wood Science 240 will be in accordance with the procedures outlined in the 1999-2001 University Catalog (pp. 39-43). Final grades will be assigned based upon the student's average grade for the course. A 10-point grading scale will be employed (A: 90-100; B: 80-89.9; C: 70-79.9; D: 60-69.9; F: 0- 59.9) to determine the final grade.  We will not adjust or "curve" grades.

Written assignments will be graded using the format provided below. Assignments handed in after the due date will be penalized 10 points (out of a possible 100) for each day or part of a day that they are late. Reports over 3 days late will be given a grade of "0".

• Content of the paper (conforms to the assignment, points made are well justified, the paper is well -researched and backed up with citations, etc.) - 60%
• Clarity and organization of the paper - 20%
• Writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.) - 20%

A student believing that a mistake has been made in grading has 3 days following return of the examination or assignment to notify me.  If I agree that an error has been made, the grade will be corrected; if not I will explain the reasons to the student.  Grades are non-negotiable except in cases of instructor error.

Students registered for FOR 493U (undergraduates): [1] Each week, students will prepare a one-page (minimum) type-written, double-spaced summary of the that week's discussion.  [2] On alternate weeks, as assigned by the instructors, students will also prepare a one-page critical review of a paper, web site, chapter in a book, journal article or other written reference of the student's choice on a topic from that week's class discussions or readings.  (Students must include an accurate citation of the reference.)   Summaries and critical reviews must be turned in during the first class meeting of the following week.

Students registered for FOR 693C (graduate students): [1] Each week, students will prepare a one-page (minimum) type-written, double-spaced summary of the that week's discussion.  [2] Each week, students will also prepare a one-page critical review of a paper, web site, chapter in a book, journal article or other written reference of the student's choice on a topic from that week's class discussions or readings.  (Students must include an accurate citation of the reference.)   Summaries and critical reviews must be turned in during the first class meeting of the following week.

Students will prepare an argumentative paper on a question that they select (subject to the instructors' approval) from either of the two textbooks.  The paper is expected to present a convincing argument in favor of one side or another of the selected issue and must be backed up by citations from the literature.  The topic must be selected by the 5th week of the semester.  A rough draft will be turned in to the instructors by the beginning of the 7th week and the final draft is due on the first day of class of the 9th week of the semester.

Students will prepare a prepare a paper presenting both sides of a question that they select (subject to the instructors' approval) from either of the two textbooks.  The paper is expected to present both sides, analyze the arguments, and come to an independent conclusion.  It must be backed up by citations from the literature.  The topic must be selected by the 10th week of the semester.  A rough draft will be turned in to the instructors by the beginning of the 13th week and the final draft is due on the first day of class of the 15th week of the semester.

The final examination will be a take-home examination to be handed out the first day of the 15th week of class.  It is due at 12:00 noon on Monday, May 6, 2002.

WVU SOCIAL JUSTICE POLICY

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. The instructor of this course expects to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication and mutual respect. Any suggestions for furthering such an environment will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

Due to the controversial nature of this course's subject matter, students are expected to treat each other with  courtesy and civility.   Disagreements will remain focused on issues and not personalities.

FOR 493U/FOR 693C Tentative Schedule

FOR 493U/FOR 693C Supplemental Reading List

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