The Marshall Center's Combating Terrorism Language Program (CTLP) is designed for counterterrorism professionals who want to improve their English before attending the Program on Terrorism and Security Studies (PTSS) or Program in Advanced Security Studies (PASS). The five-week CTLP course helps military and civilian counterterrorism professionals develop the English language skills necessary to participate fully in the Marshall Center programs as well as in future opportunities for professional development and engagement.
CTLP uses a tailored curriculum and targeted methods to help counterterrorism professionals develop the English language skills they need for their studies and for staff and operational work. Through authentic counterterrorism readings, and guest speakers and videos from the PTSS course, CTLP helps participants become familiar with counterterrorism terminology and improves their understanding of the nature of the threat affecting the global community. Through highly interactive exercises, CTLP provides participants practice in using counterterrorism terminology and critical communication skills, including group discussion strategies, presentation skills, and analytical reading and listening. Participants receive personalized feedback throughout the course and apply what they have learned during a capstone activity, which includes preparing and delivering a briefing on a current counterterrorism issue.
By increasing participants' overall English proficiency as well as enhancing their knowledge of specialized terminology and language skills, CTLP prepares participants to make valuable contributions during PTSS or PASS discussions on regional, national, and international terrorism issues. It also enables participants to join a growing international network of counterterrorism professionals who use English as the medium for communication and cooperation.
