Counterterrorism to be Confronted Across Disciplines by USC Course
January 11, 2002
Columbia, SC — What are the greatest threats from terrorism? What actions are needed to counter these threats?
These questions will be addressed from a variety of perspectives in a new University of South Carolina course on counterterrorism.
The course, titled "Counterterrorism: A Multidisciplinary Analysis," is designed by Dr. Joseph Johnson, USC physics professor and director of the University's Advanced Solutions Group (ASG) and Complex Problems Group. Johnson is being assisted by Dodge Frederick, past director of the S.C. Federal Bureau of Investigation, and John Johnson, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. Both Frederick and Johnson work with ASG.
"My objective is to bring together experts from across the university and government to address a variety of subjects pertinent to counterterrorism," said Johnson, whose software teams have conducted research in cyberterrorism for the U.S. Department of Defense and developed computer systems for emergency information management and bioterrorism information response for the S.C. Emergency Preparedness Division.
The course is multidisciplinary, with thirty lectures on diverse subjects, such as health threats, military response, technology approaches, and national and international preparedness. Lectures are planned to feature representatives from the FBI, the military, and other areas of government, as well as USC research faculty from disciplines across the sciences and humanities.
Each of the thirty speakers are asked to address the following questions: "In your domain of expertise, what do you see as the greatest threats from terrorism? What actions are needed to counter these threats?" Each lecture is expected to contain some advanced and technical material. Lectures will last forty-five minutes, followed by thirty minutes of discussion.
Offered during the spring semester, January 15-April 30, 2002, the course is open to USC graduate and undergraduate students at sophomore and higher levels. Although listed as Physics 599, it requires no prerequisites and can be used to satisfy electives requirements. Speakers will submit four to six multiple-choice questions that will be used to compose tests for student credit. Graduate credit will additionally require a research paper.
The course is also available to government employees, but not the general public. Government representatives can attend at no fee and as space is available. Registration is required.
Counterterrorism:
A Multidisciplinary Analysis
University of South Carolina Course, PHYS 599
Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 15-April 30, 5:30-6:45 pm
Jones Physical Sciences Center, Room 006
| ASG Media Contact:
Beth Herron |
Course Information and Registration:
Beth Herron 803-777-8831 betsy@asgnet.psc.sc.edu |
