HLSC 600 Introduction to Disaster Management

This course examines a theoretical and practical application of disaster management activities including human behavior in emergency situations, warning, evacuation, sheltering, triage, damage assessment, disaster declaration, debris removal, media relations, crisis counseling, individual and public assistance, fiscal responsibilities, and other relevant functions. Decision making, incident command, EOC operations, coordination, and service will be examined. This course highlights several hazard types as a topical investigations, as well as the processes and considerations of management options for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

The purpose of this course is to examine key principles and concepts involving disaster management. Understanding core emergency management principles is essential to mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the 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 is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each thread is to be at least 350 words, cite at least 2 references, 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 200 words.

Examining Disaster Management Paper Assignment

The student will complete a research-oriented paper providing a detailed and integrative examination of all phases of disaster management. The paper must demonstrate how the phases of the disaster cycle function as an interconnected system rather than discrete components. The student will evaluate the discipline of emergency management; key concepts, definitions, and perspectives; mitigation and prevention; preparedness and planning; response; and recovery. The paper must demonstrate synthesis by connecting insights across all disaster phases rather than addressing each phase in isolation. The student should show how research findings, federal guidance (e.g., NRF, NIMS, ICS), and case-based evidence collectively inform understanding of the disaster cycle as a comprehensive system. Biblical foundations must be woven throughout the analysis. The student’s paper must in current APA format of at least 8 full pages, not counting title and reference pages. The paper must include at least 8 sources (not including the class textbook and the Bible).

Analysis/Critique of Major Event Paper Assignment

The student will choose a major event (disaster, incident, or catastrophe) involving homeland security (emergency management focus allowed). The student will advise the instructor, through course room 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 was examined in Examining Disaster Management Paper Assignment) as much as is applicable to each based on the event. The analysis will be written in standard APA formatting using headings and references. A minimum of 6 references are required. The analysis/critique must be at least 6 full pages of content. The student will conclude the analysis with recommendations for improvements in any areas found to be lacking.

Disaster Management Principles Training Presentation Assignment

The student will prepare a PowerPoint (audio/video) presentation wherein he or she will train the audience (professor and classmates). The presentation should be designed for first responders. The student will provide an overview of emergency management. The student will examine all phases of disaster management including: an overview of the emergency management discipline; key concepts, definitions, and perspectives; mitigation to include prevention; preparedness, planning, response, and recovery. The following subtopics will be included within the respective phase they best fit: human behavior, warnings, evacuation, sheltering, special needs populations, triage, damage assessment, disaster declarations, debris removal, media relations, crisis counseling, assistance, as well as fiscal issues. Decision-making, unified command, incident command, EOC operations, along with coordination efforts will be examined. The roles of faith-based agencies as well as public-private partnerships will be discussed. The student will share what was learned from the Examining Disaster Management Paper Assignment. Finally, the student will apply biblical insight into the overall issue. The presentation must include at least 10 sources (which may include the class textbook and the Bible). The student will use PowerPoint Mix, which may be turned into a Windows Media Video WMV, to present and record his or her information. A minimum of 20 content slides are required not including the cover and reference slides. The student will, at the minimum, use the same headings as listed previously in these instructions. The presentation needs to be at least 15 minutes long and should last no more than 30 minutes maximum. References will be included 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 they wish to.

Quiz: Analysis/Critique of Major Event Paper: Topic Selection

The student will advise the instructor of the event topic for approval by the end of the assigned Module: Week.