Social Media Impact on Nat Sec

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course examines how the proliferation of social media and other Internet-based communication platforms have transformed the behaviors and methods used by those involved in criminal activity, terrorism and domestic violent extremism, and the efforts of foreign intelligence agencies to target the United States. Specifically, students will explore how social media and other online communications platforms are used by: transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking and other illicit activity; foreign terrorist groups and domestic extremist organizations to recruit and coordinate violent activity; disaffected individuals as they gravitate toward ideologically motivated targeted acts of violence; and foreign intelligence services as the seek to collect intelligence from the United States and engage in disinformation campaigns and influence operations intended to sow discord, inspire acts of violence, influence elections or otherwise harm the United States. Students will also explore what steps law enforcement, homeland security, and national security entities can take to incorporate online activity by those involved in illicit or threat-related behavior into efforts intended to prevent crime and protect the Nation from security threats. This will include an examination of how advanced computing technologies and other operational techniques can aid law enforcement and security professionals as well as how best to address issues/concerns relating to privacy and civil liberties protections. The course seeks to improve students’ writing skills and to cultivate the ability to engage in critical thinking, analysis, and independent learning. To that end, reading, discussing, and writing about the assigned material will be the central activities of the course. The goal is for students to leave the class possessing not only a better understanding of specific concepts and events, but also an increased ability to express that knowledge in prose and speech.