The pedagogical approach of Understanding Homeland Security is designed to stimulate critical thinking by readers. Each chapter follows a sequence of instruction that builds on previous chapters and thus incrementally enhances the reader's knowledge of each topic. Chapters incorporate the following features: Opening Viewpoints. At the beginning of each chapter, Opening Viewpoints present relevant examples of theories and themes discussed in each chapter and serve as "reality checks" for readers Chapter Introduction. Each chapter is introduced by an overview of the subject under investigation. The introduction provides perspective for the incorporation of each chapter's topic into the broader themes of the textbook Chapter Perspectives. Chapters incorporate focused presentations of perspectives that explore people, events, organizations, and movements that are relevant to the subject matter of each chapter Chapter Summary. A concluding discussion recapitulates the main themes of each chapter and introduces the subject matter of the following chapter Discussion Boxes. Discussion Boxes present provocative information and pose challenging questions to stimulate critical thinking and further debate Key Terms and Concepts. Important terms and ideas introduced in each chapter are listed for review and discussion. These Key Terms and Concepts are further explored and defined in the book's glossary Recommended Web Sites and Web Exercises. Web exercises at the ends of chapters have been designed for students, professionals, and instructors to explore and discuss information found on the Internet Recommended Readings. Suggested readings are listed at the end of each chapter for further information or research on each topic

Author Biography

C. Augustus "Gus" Martin is a Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he regularly teaches a course on the subject of terrorism and extremism. He has also served as Associate Vice President for Human Resources Management, Acting Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration and Public Policy, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs, and Chair of the Department of Public Administration & Public Policy. He began his academic career as a member of the faculty of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, where he was an Administration of Justice professor. His current research and professional interests are terrorism and extremism, homeland security, administration of justice, and juvenile justice. Dr. Martin is author of a number of books on the subjects of terrorism and homeland security, including Understanding Homeland Security (SAGE, 2016); Essentials of Terrorism: Concepts and Controversies (2016); Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues (SAGE, 2015); The SAGE Encyclopedia of Terrorism, Second Edition (SAGE, 2011); Terrorism and Homeland Security (SAGE, 2011); and The New Era of Terrorism: Selected Readings (SAGE, 2004). He is also author of Juvenile Justice: Process and Systems (SAGE, 2005). Prior to joining academia, Dr. Martin served as Managing Attorney for the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, where he was also director of a program created under a federal consent decree to desegregate public and assisted housing. He was also Special Counsel to the Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands on the island of St. Thomas. As Special Counsel, he occupied a personal and confidential position in the central office of the Department of Justice; sat as hearing officer for disciplinary hearings and departmental grievances; served as chair of the Drug Policy Committee; served as liaison to the intergovernmental Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee as well as to the Narcotics Strike Force; and provided daily legal and policy advice to the Attorney General. Prior to serving as Special Counsel, he was a "floor" Legislative Assistant to Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York. As Legislative Assistant, he researched, evaluated and drafted legislation in areas of foreign policy, foreign aid, human rights, housing, education, social services, and poverty; he also drafted House floor statements, Congressional Record inserts, press releases, and news articles; and he composed speeches, briefing materials, and legislative correspondence.