Was 911 preventable? Could it happen again? This course will provide students with a detailed analysis of the
lessons learned from the 911 attacks. It will examine the aviation security, foreign-policy, defense, intelligence, law
enforcement and counterterrorism issue related to the attack.
Objectives:
To provide students with an analysis of aviation security.
To examine both political parties commentary on foreign-policy as applied to 911.
To examine defense issues related to 911
To examine intelligence issues related to 911
To review Federal and related law enforcement issues pertaining to 911.
Written Assignments:
Students will review the testimonies and supporting documentation of the leading witnesses summonsed to appear
before the 911 commission. Students will write five-page reaction papers double spaced papers answering the
weekly question(s) posted by the instructor. The series of 10 five-page papers will be individually emailed to the
instructor at the end of each week. Each report is a valued at 10 points. The following points will be subtracted
from papers.
Late: -2
Sloppy: -2
Poor editing: -2
Poor spelling: -2
Poor grammar: -2
No evidence of having read assignment: -5
Grades: Total points possible for course: 100
90 - 100
A
84 - 89
B
75 - 83
C
70 - 74
D
69 and below
F
Assignments:
Week 1: Read pages 1-16. Explain how the hijackers entered the United States. Where were the security
vulnerabilities? How should they be corrected?
Week 2: Read pages 17-31. Explain how the identification, watch listing and tracking system worked prior
to 911. In your opinion, what corrections need to be made?
Week 3: Read pages 32-46. Based on your readings, design a five-page PowerPoint presentation explaining
the aviation security system during the 911 attacks.
Week 4: Read pages 47-58. Describe briefly the situation on each one of the flights.
Week 5: Read pages 59-97. What are the major differences between Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell?
Were do they agree? Whose side do you support and why?
Week 6: Read pages 98-118 What are the major differences between William Cohen and Donald Rumsfeld?
Were do they agree? Whose side do you support and why?
Week 7: Read pages 129-146. How did our Intelligence policy lead to the 911 attacks? Where do we need
improvement? Are we making progress?
Week 8: Read pages 152-170. Chose a testimony from either Berger, Rice. Clarke, or Armitage and support
their position.
Week 9: Read pages 239-257. According to Freeh-what are the major problems in law enforcement? Do
you agree or disagree? Support your answer?
Week 10: Read pages 272-336 and 349-363. What have you learned about the threats facing the US? How
should we reform intelligence collection, law enforcement and counterterrorism?
About Your Instructor: Ed Piper has over 30 years of experience in intelligence, law enforcement, security,
education, training and consulting. He designed the first college credit course in terrorism in Washington D.C. back
in 1984 and has taught security at George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University (active), Webster
University Graduate School, Norwich University and a number of other colleges. He serves as President and CEO
of Homeland Security Consultants, Inc.
- Vita