MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural
Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
Course Syllabus
Course Description
A critical look at emergency services management interactions in major historical natural catastrophes, man-made
disasters, or terrorist incidents through the lessons learned from case study evaluation.
Course Textbook
Valcik, N. A., & Tracy, P. E. (2013). Case studies in disaster response and emergency management. Boca Raton, FL:
CRC Press.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Analyze the multiple contributing factors that resulted in major historical disasters.
Discuss the response and recovery processes that were undertaken in past disasters.
Evaluate the collaborative efforts that were employed in past disasters.
Analyze the lessons learned from major disasters of the past.
Analyze and discuss the future direction of emergency management.
Credits
Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.
Course Structure
1. Unit Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Unit Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and
knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit.
2. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses unit material.
3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook.
In addition, Units IV-VI and VIII include online or database articles. Suggested Readings are listed in the Unit IIVIII study guides to aid students in their course of study. The readings themselves may or may not be provided in
the course, but students are encouraged to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises as they have
valuable information that expands upon the lesson material. Students will not be tested on their knowledge of the
Suggested Readings.
4. Learning Activities (Non-Graded): These non-graded Learning Activities are provided in Units I and III-VI to aid
students in their course of study.
5. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units I-VIII. Unit II contains
two assignments. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading
rubrics are included with the Unit I-VIII Assignments. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is
provided below.
6. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or
course content related questions.
7. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates.
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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CSU Online Library
The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases,
journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library
webpage. To access the library, log into the myCSU Student Portal, and click on “CSU Online Library.” You can also
access the CSU Online Library from the “My Library” button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard.
The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail ([email protected]) and telephone
(1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The
library’s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page.
Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information.
Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other
services.
Unit Assignments
For assistance with any of the assignments below, contact the CSU Writing Center for assistance at (800) 977-8449, Ext.
6538 or email [email protected]
Unit I Essay
As this course begins, consider the Action Plan Guidelines (listed within the unit lesson) as the criteria that you will use to
analyze and evaluate each case study throughout the course. After analyzing each case study, your written responses to
the Action Plan Guidelines are submitted for grading. For the final project, the analysis of each case study will be used to
determine the lessons learned from each disaster and to project the future direction of emergency management.
For this assignment, complete the following:
1. Review the list of resources in the Action Plan Guidelines.
2. Choose two resources. Describe the resources and explain how and why you would use the resources in disaster
response efforts.
3. Identify any additional resources that you would include in the resource list.
Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages).
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit II Article Critique
The focus of Unit II is the natural force of fire. Research an article about fire in the CSU Online Library or the University of
Colorado at Boulder, Natural Hazards Center at http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/
For this assignment, complete the following:
1. Research an article about a disaster caused by fire.
2. Apply the Action Plan Guidelines as the criteria to analyze and evaluate the fire-related disaster.
Your APA-formatted paper should a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages).
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit II Homework
Media Release
As the course continues to unfold, it presents a glimpse into different disaster types. After reading the lesson on fire and
the case studies in the textbook, it is apparent that fire causes a disaster threat to communities.
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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Knowing the background for fire disasters and the potential responses that usually go along with them, the media plays a
crucial role in distribution of information to the public about the imminent threat, evacuation, and shelter locations.
For this assignment, assume that you are the mayor of a town where a wildland fire is posing an imminent threat to the
community. Prepare a speech for a press conference to the media, regarding the danger to the public, property, pets, and
livestock.
Include the following criteria in the speech:
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Open with an introduction paragraph about the origin and status of the wildfire in relation to the community,
including the threat level/assessment.
Identify the actions presented in the Wildland Fire Protection Plan to protect the community.
Identify the projected duration for the event.
Identify the location of emergency operation center.
Identify the current and projected population or regions, special populations, and pertinent property that maybe
affected by the fire.
Present an evacuation plan that identifies public transportation and pick-up locations for citizens without private
transportation.
Identify the location of the community information center and contact information.
List assistance provided by the Red Cross and churches.
Identify modes of communication where citizens can obtain current information and instructions.
In a closing paragraph, list any specific instructions for the community to take action (e.g., pets, livestock,
evacuation routes, shelters).
The information within the speech should provide direction for the community and confidence that the action plan,
community leaders, first response departments and agencies, and resources are working to protect the community. Note:
The information should be presented clearly and concisely for the residents and media to understand and take action.
Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). You must
use at least one scholarly source other than your textbook to complete this assignment.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit III PowerPoint Presentation
Review Chapter 3 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of hurricanes on the United
States. Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library.
Compare the preparedness and response phases of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to those of Hurricane Andrew of
1992. Present your comparison of these case studies in a PowerPoint Presentation of at least 12 slides. Please include a
title slide and reference slide for the presentation (not included in the 12-slide requirement). Use APA style for all citations
and references. A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. Include the following information
in your analysis of these case studies:
1. Compare and contrast the response efforts of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to those of Hurricane Andrew of
1992. What has changed?
2. Identify advanced technology and discuss how it has improved emergency preparedness and response.
3. Identify federal legislation and programs that reduce the impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit IV Case Study
Review Chapter 4 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of flooding in the United States.
Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library.
The Required Reading for this unit includes five websites about the Great Flood of 1913 that occurred in Dayton, Ohio.
Analyze the information and respond to the following questions in a three-page APA-formatted essay (page count does
not include the title and references pages).
1. Analyze the contributing factors that caused the major flood.
2. Discuss the response and recovery process for the flood.
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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3. Identify the collaborative efforts to respond to the flood.
4. Analyze and discuss the positive outcome to the flood (e.g., MCD Act, the participants, funding, construction).
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit V Case Study
Review Chapter 5 of the course textbook and research information regarding the impacts of tornadoes on the United
States. Additional research information is available via the Internet, Google Scholar, and the CSU Online Library.
Compare the preparedness and response phases of Hurricane Katrina of 2005 to those of the Joplin, Missouri, Tornado of
2011. Present your comparison of these case studies in a four-page APA-formatted paper (page count does not include
title and references pages). A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook. Include the following
information in your analysis of these case studies:
1. Compare and contrast the interaction between the federal government and the private sector during the response
and recovery phases of Hurricane Katrina of 2005 and the Joplin, Missouri Tornado of 2011.
2. In your analysis of these disasters, identify and discuss why the response and recovery efforts were successful
after the Joplin, Missouri Tornado in comparison to Hurricane Katrina.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VI Research Paper
Review the literature in the lesson and required reading section about the 1995 Chicago heat wave and sequential heat
waves. Use the Action Plan Guideline as a reference to write an action plan (apply sections 1, 2, 3) for your community for
an extreme heat or cold disaster. Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of three pages (not including the title
and references pages). A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VII Scholarly Activity
For this assignment, imagine you are the principal of a high school that has just been locked down because shots were
fired within the building, and students were screaming and running for safety. The faculty and staff received training prior
to the school year on the procedures for a school-shooting incident. After school started, students also received training
with safe rooms identified for security lockdown.
Law enforcement, faculty, and school staff have accounted for all students on campus except for three teachers and 10
students. In addition, the gunman is a current student and law enforcement has just arrived on the scene.
You have been asked, in cooperation with law enforcement, to provide a situation report to the media for local and
national distribution. Your report will need to include the following:
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Identify the plan of action.
Identify organizations that will assist with response and recovery operations.
Explain the communications plan to maintain communications with the public and parents (Hint: public information
officer and call-in center).
Your APA-formatted paper should be a minimum of two pages (not including the title and references pages). The
suggested readings for this unit will assist you in completing this assignment.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VIII Research Paper
You are responsible for the Emergency Response Plan for Ebolavirus (and the associated training and exercise) for your
first response agency or public health department.
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Review the lesson and required readings about the response to an Ebolavirus outbreak. Use the Action Plan Guideline as
a reference to write an action plan (apply sections 1, 2, 3) for your agency for an Ebolavirus outbreak. Your APAformatted paper should be a minimum of three pages (not including the title and references pages). Include a subtitle for
each section of your paper. A minimum of three references are required in addition to the textbook .
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
APA Guidelines
The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the
primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain
papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated
grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU’s Citation Guide by clicking here. This document includes examples
and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center.
Grading Rubrics
This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each
rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each
level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your
efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics
because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities.
Rubric categories include: (1) Assessment (Written Response) and (2) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of
the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments).
The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit
Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment.
Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics
are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the
Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be
submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting “Tools” and then “My Grades.”
Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your
Assessments and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades.
Communication Forums
These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students.
Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in
the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below.
Once you have completed Unit VIII, you MUST unsubscribe from the forum; otherwise, you will continue to
receive e-mail updates from the forum. You will not be able to unsubscribe after your course end date.
Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums.
Ask the Professor
This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.
Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration,
additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students.
Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal
accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the
professor within 48 hours.
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus,
assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information.
Student Break Room
This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should
always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to
share assessment answers.
Grading
Unit I Essay
Unit II Article Critique
Unit II Homework
Unit III PowerPoint Presentation
Case Studies (2 @ 13%)
Research Papers (2 @ 13%)
Unit VII Scholarly Activity
Total
= 9%
= 9%
= 9%
= 9%
= 26%
= 26%
= 12%
= 100%
Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT)
The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule,
you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted.
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
Course Schedule
By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this
schedule for reference as you progress through your course.
Unit I
Review:
Read:
The Basic Framework for the Action Plan
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 1: Guidelines and General Information for Public Officials and Administrators
Submit:
 Essay
Notes/Goals:
Unit II
Case Studies: Natural Disasters Caused by Fire
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 2: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces—Fires
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Article Critique
Homework
Notes/Goals:
Unit III
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Case Studies: Disasters Caused by Hurricanes and Floods
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 3: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Causes—Hurricanes
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 PowerPoint Presentation
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
Unit IV
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit V
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit VI
Review:
Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Course Schedule
Case Studies: Natural Disasters Caused by Floods
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 4: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces—Floods
 Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Case Study
Case Studies: Disasters Caused by Tornadoes
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 5: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces—Tornadoes
 Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Case Study
Case Studies: Disasters Caused By Other Weather Conditions
 Unit Study Guide
 Learning Activities (Non - Graded): See Study Guide
 Chapter 6: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Forces—Earthquakes and Volcanoes
 Chapter 7: Case Studies: Disasters from Natural Sources—Other Weather, Animal, and Viral
Phenomena
 Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide
 Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
 Research Paper
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
Unit VII
Case Studies: Disasters Caused from School Shootings
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 11: Case Studies: Disasters from Criminal or Terrorist Acts—Shootings and Riots
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Scholarly Activity
Unit VIII
Case Studies: Disasters Caused from Infectious Disease
Review:
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Read:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Course Schedule
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 12: Case Studies: Man-Made Disasters—Nuclear, Biotoxins, or Chemicals
Additional Reading Assignments: See Study Guide
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Research Paper
MSE 6701, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
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