/ SYLLABUS FOR HMSY 1338
Homeland Security Emergency Communications Management
WeBB Learning
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Course Dates: 10 OCT - 04 DEC 2016
Weekly CTC Blackboard discussions and assignments
Instructor: Shana Abdus
Instructor’s Location: Katterbach, Germany
Skype Name: (Shana Abdus)
Weekly Skype Office Hours: (W-Sat/ 1800-2000)
Instructor Email:
Phone: (+49) 015208869937
  1. INTRODUCTION
  1. This course is a study of public safety communication system interactions. Topics include political and policy basis of emergency management, technology, mitigation, and disaster recovery. Includes an overview of incident command systems, emergency management, mitigation for emergency managers, and individual and community disaster education.
  1. This course is a required course in the Homeland Security – Emergency Management Associate of Applied Science Degree.
  1. This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in: Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.
  1. Prerequisite(s): None
  1. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Homeland Security Emergency Communications Management the student will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the technologies applicable to each phase of homeland security and emergency management.
  1. Know the key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance the emergency management process.
  1. Understand the applications and tools available to Emergency Managers including Internet, telecommunications, networks, warning systems, radio systems, GIS software, and GPS tools.
  1. Review the elements of a hazard model and demonstrate knowledge of the limitations of modeling programs.
  1. Prepare a report defining a concept of operations and plan for applying a specific technology to address an assigned scenario.
  1. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through

Required Student Textbook:

Pine, J.C. (2006). Technology in emergency management.Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

ISBN: 9780470472439

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A.Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.

B.You should attend all online Central Texas College (CTC) Blackboard sessions each week, along with any instructor-required live sessions on Skype, Blackboard Collaborate, Google+, FaceTime, etc. Be prepared to also take any unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current CTC Course Catalog.

C.You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the course. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crash-cram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or projects will be considered in grade computation.

D.From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.

E.You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.

F.Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.

G.Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:

Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.

Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.

Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.

Students guilty of scholastic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of “F” and be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion.

H.Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.

V. COURSE FORMAT – WeBB Learning with Blackboard

This course has been developed on Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they have access to CTC Blackboard and that they are familiar with the contents and assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard at least once a week to ‘attend’ the online class portion and to participate in the online Blackboard streaming sessions, discussions, and assignments. Failure to do so will violate the attendance policy and will have a negative impact on the course grade.

The course will meet for eightweeks. Instructional strategies will include weekly CTC Blackboard assignments, discussion boards, and streaming sessions to accomplish the lecture hours per week. Weekly interactions will be available via various communication tools to include Skype, Blackboard Collaborate, or Voice Podcaster/Voice Email, and conventional use of emails and Blackboard Message Board. Students may be assigned to participate in Groups, Journals, Blogs, or Wikis. Students will also have an access to required Discussion Board threads; course Announcements; critiques and feedback on Assignments and drafts of papers. Specific weekly interaction will be communicated via Announcements on Blackboard and arranged with the course instructors.

VI.EXAMINATIONS

  1. There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as follows:

1.Mid-term exam on 06 November 2016

2.Final exam on 04 December 2016

3. Final Project due on 27 November 2016

4. Final Paper due on 04 December 2016

B.A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.

C.Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.

D.Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-the-blank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.

E. Exams will be administered via BioSig application.See Blackboard class for registration information.

VII.SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS

The final grade in this course will be based on the following:

Term Presentation100 points

Assignments200 points

Discussion Boards (mandatory)200 points

Term Paper200 points

Mid-term Exam100 points

Final Exam200 points

Total possible points: 1,000 points

POINTS GRADES

900-1000 A=4 pts/sem hr

800-899 B=3 pts/sem hr

700-799 C=2 pts/sem hr

600-699 D=1 pt/sem hr

0-599 F=0 pts/sem hr

A term paper or term project is expected from all students. Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities, so the instructor may need to revisit the term paper concept during the course.

VIII.NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR

  1. Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details.
  2. GoArmyEdstudents should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.

Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.

For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for

Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated student Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid.

Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.

  1. Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student Services Officer for that region.

Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75% of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Non-attendance.”

  1. Faculty/Administrative Initiated Withdrawals

Faculty are authorized to withdraw students who are not making satisfactory course progress as outlined in the section of the Catalog entitled "Satisfactory Progress Standards.

A student may be administratively withdrawn by a designated member of the administrative staff of the College under the following conditions:

  • The student has been placed on Academic Suspension or Disciplinary Suspension;
  • The student has an outstanding financial obligation owed to the college;
  • The student registered for a course without the required prerequisite or departmental permission;
  • Students who do not participate or complete graded activities during the first week will be administratively withdrawn.

The college is under no obligation to refund tuition and fees, or other costs associated with a student who is administratively withdrawn.

  1. Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade.
  2. Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
  3. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.
  4. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

IX. COURSE OUTLINE

Note:

The instructor has the right to change the course schedule and will announce any changes in class.

This structured course has been developed on Blackboard with any instructor-required live sessions on Skype, Blackboard Collaborate, Google+, FaceTime, etc. It is not a self-paced course. Please follow your instructor’s schedule of Discussion Board posts, lessons, assignments, and quizzes/exams.

The course will meet for eight weeks. Instructional strategies will include weekly CTC Blackboard assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the learning outcomes.

Schedule of Assignments:

Weekly:

a)CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Wednesday at midnight Central European Time (CET)

1. CTC Blackboard peer responses to Discussion Board posts is due by Saturday midnight (CET)

b)CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sundaymidnight (CET)

Lesson/Session / Chapters / Assignments/Projects/Exams / Due Dates
1 / Ch. 1: Technology as a Tool / Lesson 1 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 1 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 1 Assignment / 10/12
10/15
10/16
2 / Ch. 2: Emergency Management & the Internet / Lesson 2 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 2 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 2 Assignment / 10/19
10/22
10/23
3 / Ch. 3: Networks Communication Systems / Lesson 3 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 3 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 3 Assignment / 10/26
10/29
10/30
4 / Ch. 4: GIS and GPS Tools / Lesson 4 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 4 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 4 Assignment
Mid Term Exam / 11/02
11/05
11/06
11/06
5 / Ch. 5: Direct and Remote Sensing / Lesson 5 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 5 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 5 Assignment / 11/09
11/12
11/13
6 / Ch. 6: Emergency Management Decision Support System / Lesson 6 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 6 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 6 Assignment / 11/16
11/19
11/20
7 / Ch. 7: Hazard Analysis and Modeling / Lesson 7 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 7 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 7Term Project / 11/23
11/26
11/27
8 / Ch. 8: / Lesson 8 Discussion Board (Initial Post)
Lesson 8 Discussion Board (Peer Response)
Lesson 8 Term Paper
Final Exam / 11/30
12/03
12/04
12/04
  1. Lesson One: Technology as a Tool
  2. Learning Outcomes:
  1. How technology can help Emergency Managers and managers in the Homeland Security field be more effective
  1. Evaluate the technology needs of a community/organization
  1. Persuade key stakeholders to commit resources
  1. Learning Activities:
  2. Read Chapter 1
  3. Assignment: Summary Questions 1-5; Review Question #3
  4. Discussion Exercise:

 Pick 1 city

  • Burbank, CA
  • Topeka, KS
  • Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • NewYork City, NY

List 3 technologies that the local Emergency Manager would find useful for the city you chose and for EACH technology tell:

  • For what type of disaster might the technology be used
  • What need it meets (e.g. communication, provides a specific piece of information, predicts weather, etc)
  • Whether it is used for planning, response, recovery, and/or mitigation

Be prepared to share your response during in class discussion, as well as submit your written response

  1. Lesson Outline:
  1. Technology as a homeland security/emergency management tool
  1. Effective use of technology
  2. Completing a Needs Assessment
  3. Using ‘windows of opportunity’ and ‘focusing events’ to persuade stakeholders to commit resources
  1. Lesson Two: Emergency Management and the Internet
  2. Learning Outcomes:
  1. The value of the Internet for Homeland Security/Emergency Managers
  1. Useful websites for emergency managers
  2. Limitations of the Internet
  3. Forums and Webcasting uses
  1. Learning Activities:
  2. Read Chapter 2
  1. Assignment: Review Questions 1,3,4,5,8, and 11
  1. Discussion Exercises:
  • Applying this Chapter #2 OR #6
  • Applying this Chapter #8

Be prepared to share your response during in class discussion, as well a submit your written response

  1. Lesson Outline:
  2. Case Study: Hurricane Katrina and the Internet
  1. Value of Internet to Homeland Security and Emergency Managers
  1. World Wide Web
  2. Limitations of the Internet
  3. Helpful websites for emergency managers
  4. Uses of forums and webcasting
  1. Lesson Three: Networks and Communication Systems
  2. Learning Outcomes:
  3. Role networks play in the Emergency Management process
  1. Types of networks
  2. How trends affect networks
  3. Capabilities, compatibilities, and standardization issues
  1. Learning Activities:
  2. Read Chapter 3
  1. Case Study: Read the identified sections of “Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan”
  • Challenges to Interoperability in Texas
  • Interoperability Solutions

(The entire plan is provided as additional reference.)

  1. Assignment: Summary Questions 1-9; Review Questions 5-6
  2. Discussion Exercise:
  • List 5 key stakeholders with whom you would wish to collaborate with during a disaster if you were the Emergency Manager of a local city or county/parish (i.e. city police, hospitals, etc). For each stakeholder list 1 example of information you would share, what technology you would use to share it
  • Explain why technology standards for a technology tool is important

Be prepared to share your response during in class discussion, as well a submit your written response

  1. Lesson Outline:
  2. Define network
  3. Network benefits
  4. Types of networks
  1. Case Study: “Disaster Drill Tests New Wireless Technologies Developed at UCSD and CALIT2”
  2. Communication networks
  3. Trends in technology affecting networks
  1. Lesson Four: GIS and GPS Tools
  2. Learning Outcomes:
  1. Mapping and geographic systems essential to emergency managers
  1. Interpret maps to make planning and response decisions
  1. Use GIS, geo-coding, and GPS tools to plan, respond, recover, or mitigate a disaster
  1. Learning Activities:
  1. Read Chapter 4
  2. Read Case Study “Rockland County, NY”
  1. Assignment: Summary Questions 1-11; Review Questions 3,5, and 7
  1. Discussion Exercise:

Pretend you are a citizen of Rockland County, NY. You work at 85 Old Phillips Hill Rd (New City, NY) with a zip code of 10956. Go to land click on “Indian Point Interactive MappingSystem”. Select streets as the “Active Layer” and click yellow button to start search by provided

address. Use the mapping tool to answering the following questions:

  1. Is this location within the 10 mile radius area predefined as the “Response Area”?
  1. What is your suggested ‘Reception Area’?
  1. To what radio station can you listen to hear warnings and further instructions?
  1. Explain how using this website and having instructions prior to a disaster is beneficial to you as

a citizen and mitigates additional problems for the emergency responders during an actual disaster.

Be prepared to share your response during in class discussion, as well as submit your written response.

  1. Lesson Outline:
  2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  3. GIS in Emergency Management
  4. Implementing GIS
  5. Data representation
  6. Geocoding
  7. Global Positioning Systems
  1. Lesson Five: Direct and Remote Sensing
  2. Learning Outcomes:
  1. Distinguish between direct and remote sensing to learn the benefits of both
  1. Where to place and how to assess data from weather stations, water sensors, and air sensors to protect a community
  1. Evaluate information obtained from satellite and radar imaging
  1. Assess how access to real-time response data affects emergency management decisions
  1. Learning Activities:
  2. Read Chapter 5
  1. Read articles “BioWatch”, “APDS”, and “HANAA”
  1. Assignment: Summary Questions 1-14; Review Questions 1 and 8
  1. Discussion Exercise:
  • Applying this Chapter #10

Be prepared to share your response during in class discussion, as well as submit your written response