PCC/ CCOG / EM

Course Content and Outcome Guide for EM 114

Date:
02-AUG-2012
Posted by:
Curriculum Office
Course Number:
EM 114
Course Title:
History of US Haz & Disasters
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture hours:
30
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
0
Special Fee:
 

Course Description

Surveys the U.S. History of hazards and disasters and traces the evolution of emergency management. Emphasis will be on naturally occurring disasters with appropriate attention to the development of technological incidents and the evolution of terrorism. Recommend: WR 115. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

The course is intended to provide a survey of the history of hazards, risks and actual disasters all across the U.S. from the first documented evidence to present day. The population growth and migration, with its effect on risk, will be traced as well as the urban development of this country. This course is a prerequisite for EM 210.
 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Students will be able to:
  • Discuss the importance of hazards and risks in business and government plans and programs.
  • Identify the risks and hazards that exist in various regions of the U.S.
  • Discuss population growth and migration and how it impacts disaster situations.
  • Understand the concept of a “triggering event” and explain its significance.
 

Course Activities and Design

  • Lecture and classroom discussion
  • Research of specific disaster categories with oral presentation
  • Term Paper
  • Written Exam

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Grades and competency will be determined according to student ability to demonstrate knowledge of risks, hazards and disasters in U.S. history through written exams and a term paper.
 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Natural Hazards such as:
            Earthquake
            Tsunami
            Hurricane
            Flood
            Tornado
  • Technological Hazards such as:
Hazardous Materials Release
Radiological Accidents
Structure Fire
Explosion
  • Terrorism Hazards such as:
Biological
Chemical
Explosive
Incendiary
Nuclear
  • How Government, Business and the Community respond.
  • Historical perspective of major events.
  • The changing roles in response to events.