MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters Course Syllabus Course Description A critical look at emergency services management interactions in major historical natural catastrophes, man-made disasters, or terrorist incidents through the lessons learned from case study evaluation. Course Textbook Valcik, N. A., & Tracy, P. E. (2013). Case studies in disaster response and emergency management. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Course Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Analyze the multiple contributing factors that resulted in major historical disasters. 2. Discuss the response and recovery processes that were undertaken in past disasters. 3. Evaluate the collaborative efforts that were employed in past disasters. 4. Analyze the lessons learned from major disasters of the past. 5. Analyze and discuss the future direction of emergency management. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Unit Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Unit Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 2. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses unit material. 3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. In addition, Units IV-VI and VIII include online or database articles. Suggested Readings are listed in the Unit II- VIII study guides to aid students in their course of study. The readings themselves may or may not be provided in the course, but students are encouraged to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises as they have valuable information that expands upon the lesson material. Students will not be tested on their knowledge of the Suggested Readings. 4. Learning Activities (Non-Graded): These non-graded Learning Activities are provided in Units I and III-VI to aid students in their course of study. 5. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are a part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar. 6. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units I-VIII. Unit II contains two assignments. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with the Unit I-VIII Assignments. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below. 7. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 8. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 1
CSU Online Library The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To access the library, log into the mycsu Student Portal, and click on CSU Online Library. You can also access the CSU Online Library from the My Library button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard. The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail (library@columbiasouthern.edu) and telephone (1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The library s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page. Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services. Unit Assignments For assistance with any of the assignments below, contact the CSU Writing Center for assistance at (800) 977-8449, Ext. 6538 or email teamsucceed@columbiasouthern.edu Unit I Essay As this course begins, consider the Action Plan Guidelines (listed within the unit lesson) as the criteria that you will use to analyze and evaluate each case study throughout the course. After analyzing each case study, your written responses to the Action Plan Guidelines are submitted for grading. For the final project, the analysis of each case study will be used to determine the lessons learned from each disaster and to project the future direction of emergency management. For this assignment, complete the following: 1. Review the list of resources in the Action Plan Guidelines. 2. Choose two resources. Describe the resources and explain how and why you would use the resources in disaster response efforts. 3. Identify any additional resources that you would include in the resource list. Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). Unit II Article Critique The focus of Unit II is the natural force of fire. Research an article about fire in the CSU Online Library or the University of Colorado at Boulder, Natural Hazards Center at http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/ For this assignment, complete the following: 1. Research an article about a disaster caused by fire. 2. Apply the Action Plan Guidelines as the criteria to analyze and evaluate the fire-related disaster. Your APA-formatted paper should a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). Unit II Homework Media Release As the course continues to unfold, it presents a glimpse into different disaster types. After reading the lesson on fire and the case studies in the textbook, it is apparent that fire causes a disaster threat to communities. MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 2
Knowing the background for fire disasters and the potential responses that usually go along with them, the media plays a crucial role in distribution of information to the public about the imminent threat, evacuation, and shelter locations. For this assignment, assume that you are the mayor of a town where a wildland fire is posing an imminent threat to the community. Prepare a speech for a press conference to the media, regarding the danger to the public, property, pets, and livestock. Include the following criteria in the speech: Open with an introduction paragraph about the origin and status of the wildfire in relation to the community, including the threat level/assessment. Identify the actions presented in the Wildland Fire Protection Plan to protect the community. Identify the projected duration for the event. Identify the location of emergency operation center. Identify the current and projected population or regions, special populations, and pertinent property that maybe affected by the fire. Present an evacuation plan that identifies public transportation and pick-up locations for citizens without private transportation. Identify the location of the community information center and contact information. List assistance provided by the Red Cross and churches. Identify modes of communication where citizens can obtain current information and instructions. In a closing paragraph, list any specific instructions for the community to take action (e.g., pets, livestock, evacuation routes, shelters). The information within the speech should provide direction for the community and confidence that the action plan, community leaders, first response departments and agencies, and resources are working to protect the community. Note: The information should be presented clearly and concisely for the residents and media to understand and take action. Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). You must use at least one scholarly source other than your textbook to complete this assignment. Unit III PowerPoint Presentation Review Chapter 3 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of hurricanes on the United States. Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library. Compare the preparedness and response phases of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to those of Hurricane Andrew of 1992. Present your comparison of these case studies in a PowerPoint Presentation of at least 12 slides. Please include a title slide and reference slide for the presentation (not included in the 12-slide requirement). Use APA style for all citations and references. A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. Include the following information in your analysis of these case studies: 1. Compare and contrast the response efforts of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to those of Hurricane Andrew of 1992. What has changed? 2. Identify advanced technology and discuss how it has improved emergency preparedness and response. 3. Identify federal legislation and programs that reduce the impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes. Unit IV Case Study Review Chapter 4 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of flooding in the United States. Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library. The Required Reading for this unit includes five websites about the Great Flood of 1913 that occurred in Dayton, Ohio. Analyze the information and respond to the following questions in a three-page APA-formatted essay (page count does not include the title and references pages). MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 3
1. Analyze the contributing factors that caused the major flood. 2. Discuss the response and recovery process for the flood. 3. Identify the collaborative efforts to respond to the flood. 4. Analyze and discuss the positive outcome to the flood (e.g., MCD Act, the participants, funding, construction). Unit V Case Study Review Chapter 5 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of tornadoes on the United States. Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library. Compare the preparedness and response phases of Hurricane Katrina of 2005 to those of the Joplin, Missouri, Tornado of 2011. Present your comparison of these case studies in a four-page APA-formatted paper (page count does not include title and references pages). A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. Include the following information in your analysis of these case studies: 1. Compare and contrast the interaction between the federal government and the private sector during the response and recovery phases of Hurricane Katrina of 2005 and the Joplin, Missouri Tornado of 2011. 2. In your analysis of these disasters, identify and discuss why the response and recovery efforts were successful after the Joplin, Missouri Tornado in comparison to Hurricane Katrina. Unit VI Research Paper Review the literature in the lesson and required reading section about the 1995 Chicago heat wave and sequential heat waves. Use the Action Plan Guideline as a reference to write an action plan (apply sections 1, 2, 3) for your community for an extreme heat or cold disaster. Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of three pages (not including the title and references pages). A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. Unit VII Scholarly Activity For this assignment, imagine you are the principal of a high school that has just been locked down because shots were fired within the building, and students were screaming and running for safety. The faculty and staff received training prior to the school year on the procedures for a school-shooting incident. After school started, students also received training with safe rooms identified for security lockdown. Law enforcement, faculty, and school staff have accounted for all students on campus except for three teachers and 10 students. In addition, the gunman is a current student and law enforcement has just arrived on the scene. You have been asked, in cooperation with law enforcement, to provide a situation report to the media for local and national distribution. Your report will need to include the following: Identify the plan of action. Identify organizations that will assist with response and recovery operations. Explain the communications plan to maintain communications with the public and parents (Hint: public information officer and call-in center). Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). The suggested readings for this unit will assist you in completing this assignment. Unit VIII Research Paper You are responsible for the Emergency Response Plan for Ebolavirus (and the associated training and exercise) for your first response agency or public health department. MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 4
Review the lesson and required readings about the response to an Ebolavirus outbreak. Use the Action Plan Guideline as a reference to write an action plan (apply sections 1, 2, 3) for your agency for an Ebolavirus outbreak. Your APAformatted paper should be a minimum of three pages (not including the title and references pages). Include a subtitle for each section of your paper. A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. APA Guidelines The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU s Citation Guide by clicking here. This document includes examples and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center. Grading Rubrics This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities. Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments). The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I s Discussion Board submission instructions. The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment. Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting Tools and then My Grades. Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades. Communication Forums These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 5
Ask the Professor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions. Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. Grading Discussion Boards (8 @ 2%) = 16% Unit I Essay = 9% Unit II Article Critique = 9% Unit II Homework = 8% Unit III PowerPoint Presentation = 8% Case Studies (2 @ 10%) = 20% Research Papers (2 @ 10%) = 20% Unit VII Scholarly Activity = 10% Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 6
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I The Basic Framework for the Action Plan Unit Study Guide Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide Chapter 1: Guidelines and General Information for Public Officials and Administrators Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Essay by Unit II Case Studies: Natural Disasters Caused by Fire Unit Study Guide Chapter 2: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces Fires Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Article Critique by Homework by Unit III Case Studies: Disasters Caused by Hurricanes and Floods Unit Study Guide Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide Chapter 3: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Causes Hurricanes Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by PowerPoint Presentation by MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 7
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters Course Schedule Unit IV Case Studies: Natural Disasters Caused by Floods Unit Study Guide Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide Chapter 4: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces Floods Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Case Study by Unit V Case Studies: Disasters Caused by Tornadoes Unit Study Guide Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide Chapter 5: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces Tornadoes Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Case Study by Unit VI Case Studies: Disasters Caused By Other Weather Conditions Unit Study Guide Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide Chapter 6: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces Earthquakes and Volcanoes Chapter 7: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Sources Other Weather, Animal, and Viral Phenomena Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Research Paper by MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 8
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters Course Schedule Unit VII Case Studies: Disasters Caused from School Shootings Unit Study Guide Chapter 11: Case Studies: Disasters from Criminal or Terrorist Acts Shootings and Riots Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Scholarly Activity by Unit VIII Case Studies: Disasters Caused from Infectious Disease Unit Study Guide Chapter 12: Case Studies: Man-Made Disasters Nuclear, Biotoxins, or Chemicals Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student s Discussion Board response by Research Paper by MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters 9