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 | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-5) | 38% |
Written Assignments (Weeks 1-4) | 32% |
Final Paper (Week 5) | 15% |
Final Exam (Week 5) | 15% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Bullock, Jane. Introduction to Homeland Security. 6th edition. Butterworth Heinemann, 2021.
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). Readings:
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2 | 4,5,7,8 | Topic: Critical Mission Areas Readings:
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3 | 1,2,3,11 | Topic: The Terrorist Threat Readings:
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4 | 6,7,8,9 | Topics: Emergency Preparedness and Response Readings:
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5 | 5,10,11,12 | Topic: Future Vision Readings:
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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.