Terrorism:

Psychological Foundations and Biological Tools

Interdisciplinary Honors Colloquium, Fall 2002

Instructors:

Dr. Todd Linscott, Assistant Professor of Biology, office: WAT 203, phone: 622-6048

Dr. Pam Marek, Assistant Professor of Psychology, office: WAT 215, phone: 231-2095

Monday and Wednesday, 2:00 to 3:15 PM, WAT 108b

This team-taught, interdisciplinary honors course will integrate discussions of psychological factors underlying terrorism, the imprint of terrorism on its victims, and the biological mechanisms underlying potential weapons of terror. These issues will be addressed in a variety of historical contexts. From a psychological perspective, we will explore facets of group and individual behavior conducive to terrorism, differences and similarities between political and religious motivations for terrorism, and the effects of terrorism on targeted populations. From a biological perspective, we will examine how actual and potential biological weapons achieve their effects and consider ways to counteract the potential devastation of these terrorist tools. Overall, the course aims to provide a better understanding of the belief systems, behavior, and strategies of terrorists, and how terrorism has evolved in different settings and times.