Countering Domestic Extremism

Catalog description

Domestic extremism is an issue the United States government has had to contend with since its inception, from Shay's and the Whiskey Rebellion in the 18th century, the Klu Klux Klan throughout the 19th and 20th century, to the threat of terrorism today. Broadly defined, extremism has profound and specific impacts on our government and everyday life. Given the limited, enumerated powers the Constitution grants the federal government, cooperation between local, state, and national government agencies is essential to counter domestic threats arising from extremists across the political spectrum. This course will examine threats to U.S. domestic security both before and after the September 11th attacks with a focus on critiquing the ability of our federal system of government to prevent and respond to the evolving threats posed by individuals and groups within the United States.