Foundations of Homeland Security – HLSC 500

Course Description

This course provides a broad, up-to-date, multidisciplinary overview of homeland security as a contemporary subject of intense interest and inquiry. Issues of public policy, public administration, law, criminal justice and the social/behavioral impacts of terrorism and homeland security will be considered.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of key principles, components, and concepts of homeland security in the United States.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (8)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 8 Discussions throughout this course. The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each thread is to be at least 750 words, cite at least 2 current, scholarly sources in current APA format, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words and cite at least 2 current, scholarly sources in current APA format.

Research Paper: Homeland Security Overview Assignment

The student will complete a research paper which will contain the following headings: mitigation – all hazards approach, including risk assessment, intelligence usage, and mitigation strategies (prevention as well); preparedness – response including NRF, NIMS, ICS, and unified command; recovery – including resiliency and continuity of operations planning; and response – including all main aspects of the response. The student must use biblical perspectives regarding the 4 primary phases of emergency management. The student will write at minimum a 5-full-page research-oriented paper in current APA format. The paper must cite at least 5 current, scholarly sources (not including the class textbook and the Bible), and the textbook and Bible. The paper will be submitted through Turnitin.

Research Paper: Analysis of Major Event Assignment

The student will choose a major event (disaster, incident, catastrophe, or preplanned event) involving homeland security (emergency management focus allowed). The student will advise the instructor through email of the event topic for approval. The student will provide an in-depth analysis of the event starting with an overview of the event. The student will analyze the use of all phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and the subcomponents found in each phase) as much as is applicable to each based on the event. The analysis will be written in standard current APA formatting using headings and references. A minimum of 5 current, scholarly references are required. The analysis/critique must be at least 5 full pages of content. The student will conclude the analysis with recommendations for improvements in any areas found to be lacking.

PowerPoint Presentation: After Action Results Assignment

The student will summarize his or her findings in an audio/visual PowerPoint presentation. The student will use PowerPoint, which may be turned into a Windows Media Video (WMV), to present and record his or her critique. A minimum of 10 content slides are required. The student will, at the minimum, use the same headings as required in the written analysis. The presentation must be at least 10 minutes and must last no longer than 30 minutes. The presentation should include at least 5 scholarly sources, and references will be included in APA format on the last slide. Once submitted for grading, the student will email his or her PowerPoint video to the rest of the class for their review. The student does not have to show him or herself in the video unless he or she wishes to.