Answer the questions below thoroughly and succinctly. This is a short essay midterm exam. An essay answer calls for more than 3 or 4 sentences. Lists and bulleted items are not permitted. Low scores will be assigned to poorly constructed answers with sparse content; those that reflect critical analyses, synthesis of materials and college level articulation will earn higher scores. Your task here is to demonstrate what you have learned by including theories, models and/or historical events discussed in course readings to date in support of your own ideas and citing sources both in your answers and in a "References" listing (both in APA style) at the end of each answer. Answers must be in your own words. Paraphrase (restate what you read) any sources you use. DO NOT copy ANYTHING from published materials. ANY copying found in test answers will result in an exam score of zero.
 

 

 

 

1. Explain why it is important to place terrorist groups into categories such as left-wing or right-wing. Provide details and be thorough in your answer. What might be negative consequences of this practice?

 

1. Our course readings to date juxtapose the position that terrorists commit violent acts because they feel that they have no other choice; with the argument that, in many cases, terrorists are violent people who are psychologically predisposed to commit acts of violence. Identify and describe factual support of each argument.
2. According to the readings, what are some of the different radical political ideologies that differentiate terrorist groups? Discuss how their ideology relates to the targets that they may select. Do certain ideologies have a greater propensity for violence than others and, if so, why?
3. Consider the goals of religious motivated terrorist groups and discuss whether their acts are religious or political under the guise of religion. Be detailed on concrete in your answer.