From antiquity disasters and emergencies have plagued mankind. Effective preparation for and management of these events make it possible to mitigate the consequences.

This course critically assesses the foundations and strategies of emergency management. It is designed to expand the student's thinking, analysis and ability to communicate within the world of emergency management.

Focal issues include the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.  An analysis of past disasters will be used to discuss their impacts on policy formation and contemporary strategies. The role, duties, and importance of the Emergency Manager as it relates to FEMA's all hazards approach will be discussed throughout the course.

This courses will be taught by Arizona State University as part of the PluS Alliance. The course will be taught fully online. 

The learning outcomes that students should achieve upon successful completion of this course. 

1. Define Emergency Management
2. List and describe the four phases of emergency management
3. Evaluate various methods of mitigating the effects of disasters
4. Describe the Stafford Act and list requirements for entitled relief
5. Discuss various aspects of a "whole community" approach to emergency management
6. Identify elements of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
7. Critically evaluate the integration of the core capabilities of the National Response Framework
8. Understand and describe the structure of the Department of Homeland Security

This course is being taught by Arizona State University (ASU), and will be offered to UNSW students. The course will be offered solely online, and utilise the internationally renowned online educational systems of ASU.

Assessment Task 1 - Online Discussion
Weighting: 20%
Duration: n/a

Assessment Task 2 - Independent Studies Assignment
Weighting: 20%
Length: n/a

Assessment Task 3 - Mid Term Exam
Weighting: 20%
Duration: 90 minutes

Assessment Task 4 - Term Project/Executive Summary
Weighting: 20%
Length: 2 to 5 pages

Assessment Task 5 - Final Exam
Weighting: 20%
Duration: 90 minutes