CRJ 3500: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Description

The course provides an overview of a broad range of topics concerning the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, development, and terrorist use. The course context is structured to discuss the threat of WMD due to terrorism and rogue states’ development of WMD. The goal of the course is to inform the background history and technical concerns as well as how to deal with these concerns in the future.

Objectives

1. Understand the mindset for WMD technology development in World War I and World War II.
2. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the development, scope, and principles of international law regulating WMD proliferation, and be able to evaluate the effectiveness of non-proliferation treaties in today’s environment.
3. Explain the technology, types, effects, fabrication, development, and use of nuclear, biological, chemical, and agricultural weapons.
4. Analyze terrorist threats, suspects, and counterterrorism operations concerning WMD and compare and contrast past events.
5. Assess how terrorism, genetic engineering, bio warfare, and cyber terrorism may affect future prospects.
6. Evaluate moral and ethical aspects of using WMD, the political and diplomatic aspects, and the effects on society and the environment.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the CSU Bookstore at bookstore@columbiasouthern.edu