This course will provide an in-depth overview into the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (also known as the Islamic State, the Arabic acronym Daesh, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, in addition to other aliases). The rapid rise of the Islamic State has taken counterterrorism policymakers and foreign policy practitioners by surprise.

The course will also provide students a baseline understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, meaning of the caliphate, the five pillars of Islam, and Shar’ia law. Students will also learn about some of the key thinkers that have inspired global jihadist movements like ISIS and al-Qa’ida.

The course will trace the history of the Islamic State’s rise and will examine the leadership figures/personalities behind the group. The course will also examine the Islamic State’s connection and ultimate divorce from al-Qa’ida. The course will also explore how the group finances its operations as well as the rise of its affiliates.

Finally, the course will also look at ISIS’s use of foreign fighters and social media to further its agenda. Global responses to counter the Islamic State will also be discussed.