ESM 342 - Social Dimensions of a Disaster

3 Cr. Hrs.

This purpose of this course is for students to increase their abilities to examine, understand, and, where applicable, plan for and respond to disasters from an informed sociological, theoretical perspective. This course provides concepts of disaster and disaster behavior; types of disasters and the phases that comprise the disaster life cycle; social factors that are contributing to the increase in number and severity of disasters; and, basic principles of organizational response to disaster, coordination requirements and difficulties, and strategies for improvement of both coordination and response/recovery effectiveness. This course includes the use of factual information and theoretical concepts, providing a stimulating and thought-provoking experience.