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TERRORISM

"What is terrorism? Where does the word come from, and how is it used? For how long has it been a part of our vocabulary? How has it changed throughout the centuries?"  - Joseph Tuman raises and attempts to answer these questions in Communicating Terror: The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism (2003).

Resources: 

Tuman, Joseph Communicating Terror (2003) Call Number: HV 6431.T845 2003. This book is available on reserve in the Purdy-Kresge Library for ENGL 1020-001. There are also copies at several MEL libraries; these can be requested at checked out through the Wayne State Library Online (this is a fantastic resource for defining and thinking about the term/idea "terrorism"). 

Also: 

You could read either of the articles below and apply the list of questions in the Project Three toolbox to begin generating your paper. 

Harpham, Geoffrey Galt. "Symbolic Terror." Critical Inquiry (2002): 28.2. 573-79. 

Available on JSTOR through the Wayne State University Library: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1344283  

Symbolic Terror.pdf

Ahmad, Eqbal. "Comprehending Terror." MERIP Middle East Report (1986): 140. 2-5. Web.

Available on JSTOR through the Wayne State University Library: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3012023    

Comprehending Terror.pdf

• Does your interpretation of this article (and it's definition of "terrorism") change when you consider that fact that it was written in 1986, just after the Cold War ended and more than a decade before the present "War on Terror"?  

HOMEWORK:

Select one of the readings above and use it to think through Project Three. Use the reading to answer the following questions. Bring your answers to class and be ready to discuss (post them below in the COMMENTS section).     

1. What word/term/concept/idea is the article you read defining and why?
2.  What does the article offer in defining this idea that has not been (well) covered elsewhere? What is does the author claim is unique about their perspective (on this term)?
3.  What is the audience for this article (be as specific as possible)? 
4. How is your audience likely to feel about this issue/concept before the read your project?
5.  What is the author's purpose in arguing this definition? (I.e, what's their point?)
6.  What strategies (pathos appeals, resemblance arguments, etc.) does the author use in making this argument?