Amy Pate, START research director, was among the top-rated faculty in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences based on Fall 2018 undergraduate course evaluations. Pate teaches “Terrorist Motivations and Behaviors” as part of START’s Global Terrorism Minor Program.
“I had a really great group of students and wonderful support from my TA, Patrick James, and my undergrad TA, Kristin Gibbons,” Pate said. “I'm glad the students got so much from the class -- I do enjoy teaching it.”
The interdisciplinary course explores theories explaining the formation of terrorist groups and the motivations behind terrorist behavior, building upon theories from social psychology, sociology, political science, criminology and history.
A political scientist specializing in international relations and comparative politics, Pate has taught this course since 2015.
“One of favorite things about START is that we invest heavily in students through both curricular and experiential education programs,” said Bill Braniff, START’s Director. “Amy’s excellence in teaching is just another way that she leads by example and helps make START a more effective and inspiring place for faculty and students alike.”