PSA 360: America's Homeland Security

Course Description

This course will focus on the historical development, creation, and purposes of the Department of Homeland Security and the corresponding national strategy for Homeland Security, as well as the effectiveness of such policies within a democracy. Students who have taken CRJ 360 should not take this course. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

ENG 101: English Composition 1
ENG 102: English Composition 2
Backround in public safety or obtained permission from the instructor to take this course

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Identify the foundations for the forming of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Interpret the terrorist threat.
Compare the availability and applicability of weapons of mass destruction.
Differentiate between homeland defense and homeland security.
Summarize America's homeland security strategy.
Point out homeland security strategy to DHS' mission and organization
Discuss what efforts are being done to prepare for disaster.
Identify key agencies responsible for responding to different disasters.
Describe the principle method for coordinating relief efforts.
Demonstrate the inherent conflict between democracy and security
Argue various strategies for reducing America's vulnerability to terrorism.
Identify and define the emerging threats to America's homeland security.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Points	Weight
Discussions (Weeks 1-5)	250	38%
Written Assignments (Weeks 1-4)	200	32%
Final Paper (Week 5)	100	15%
Final Exam (Week 5)	100	15%
Total	650	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

Bullock, Jane. Introduction to Homeland Security. 6th edition. Butterworth Heinemann, 2021. ISBN-13: 978-0-12-817137-0

Additional Resources

Course Schedule

Week	SLOs	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	1,3,4,7,10	Topics: Origin and History of the Department of Homeland security (DHS). Examines the background, history and significance of DHS, its organizational structure and critical mission components. Readings: Textbook - Chapter 1 Homeland Security Strategic Plan	Read assigned chapter and supplement Review the lecture material Participate in discussion boards Submit Written Assignment - Comparing and Contrasting the Homeland Security and Defense Missions
2	4,5,7,8	Topic: Critical Mission Areas Addresses the key functions of DHS, its national strategy, and the inherent conflict between democracy and security. Readings: Textbook - Chapters 3 & 4 Department of Homeland Security, National Strategy	Read assigned chapters and supplement Review the lecture material Participate in discussion boards Submit Written Assignment - Department of Homeland Security Agencies
3	1,2,3,11	Topic: The Terrorist Threat Examines the history and evolution of terrorism, the use of weapons of mass destruction, America’s strategy for combating terrorism, and the organizations responsible for fighting it. Readings: Textbook - Chapters 2, 5, 6 & 7	Read assigned chapters Review the lecture material Participate in discussion boards Submit Written Assignment - Terrorist Groups
4	6,7,8,9	Topics: Emergency Preparedness and Response Addresses the role of DHS and the national strategy in preventing and responding to all disasters, both natural and manmade. Identifies the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, local and tribal partners. Readings: Textbook - Chapters 8, 9, 10 & 11 National Response Framework National Incident Management System	Read assigned chapters and supplements Review the lecture material Participate in discussion boards Submit Written Assignment - Preparing for Natural Disasters
5	5,10,11,12	Topic: Future Vision Presents a look at the emerging threats to America’s Homeland Security, since 2008, and the realignment of American security resources, strategies, alliances and diplomacy. Readings: Textbook - Chapters 12 & 13 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review 2014	Read assigned chapters and supplement Review the lecture material Participate in discussion boards Submit Final Paper Complete Final Exam

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.