CRIM 3395

This course examines the pathways of radicalization toward terrorism and/or violent extremism in both online and offline environments. The course begins by defining and critically analyzing the concepts of terrorism, radicalization, and extremism, and in doing so will provide a brief background on the historical development and modern usage of these terms. In order to understand how and why certain individuals radicalize and join extremist movements, various theories of radicalization are discussed. In addition, several modern prominent extremist movements (along with their ideologies and radicalization/recruitment tactics) are highlighted and examined in detail including White Nationalists, Islamist extremists, and gender-based extremists. The course concludes with discussions about media depictions of terrorism, as well as a focus on counter-radicalization and counter-extremism strategies across governments, criminal justice agencies, and the public.