The purpose of SS464 is to address the complex challenges of homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach. The goal of this course is to provide future leaders with a thorough understanding of the homeland security policy area. This course explores how the evolving nature of the terorist threat, particularly catastrophic terrorism, poses unprecedented and complex challenges to how America provides for its security. The course examines how homeland security policy intersects with other domestic and foreign policy issues, how our federalist system of government affects homeland security, and how moral, ethical, and civil liberties concerns complicate the development of effective homeland security policies. By analyzing the threat and developing an understanding of the unique policy problems and tools of homeland security, the course enables students to critically assess national efforts in such areas as border security, domestic counterterrorism policy, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness and response. Students will learn about the major policy and institutional reforms underway in the homeland security policy area, examine whether these changes are improving or will improve U.S. security policy, and develop their own views on the direction of national homeland security policy. The course will enable students to think critically about how the United States' overseas efforts to combat terrorism, preempt emerging threats, and counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction relate to domestic homeland security efforts. By the end of the course, students will gain a solid intellectual foundation to think critically and creatively about America's efforts to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce our vulnerability to terrorist attack, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that may occur.
Lessons
20 @ 110 min (1.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Admission to the course will be capped with priority given to Terrorism Studies Minor students.
