PSCI 20723 - US Disaster Policy

Course Credit: 1
U.S. DISASTER POLICY: This course is an introduction to the policies and practices of disaster management. Both our vulnerability to and the number of natural and human-made disasters (e.g., hurricanes, terrorist acts, wildfires, epidemics) has increased. Therefore, it is essential for political scientists to understand the challenges posed by disasters, and be able to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the damage done by disasters. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the policy and management issues that arise when dealing with disasters. It includes a brief history of U.S. emergency management, an overview of current disaster policies, an understanding of disasters based on the phases of the disaster cycle, an analysis of the governmental and nonprofit actors involved in disaster management, and the politics surrounding disasters. The disaster studies field is very fluid and interdisciplinary, with many actors and groups involved in shaping research and application. This course pulls from these different perspectives, to provide the students with a well-rounded understanding of disasters and disaster policy within the U.S. [HSS]