NPHS 101 - Orientation to Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course provides a broad overview of homeland security and homeland defense undertaken in the United States since 9/11. An accepted body of knowledge required of the homeland security professional is outlined. Key topics include: the enemy mindset, the key players at the federal, state, and local level, and the homeland security policies and procedures enacted since 9/11. 

Note Fall semester only.

Text
Taylor, Robert and Charles Swanson. Terrorism, Intelligence, and Homeland Security. 2nd ed. Pearson, 2019.  

Objectives
A. Describe the motivations, means, and methods of transnational terrorist groups.  

B. Identify the broad range of federal policies and procedures enacted since the events of 9/11.  

C. Summarize the organizations involved in homeland security including federal organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, the National Guard, and various state and local agencies.  

D. Evaluate ill-defined homeland security issues and problems.  

E. Analyze the discipline of homeland security. 

F. Participate in Homeland Security Certification requirements that include DHS/FEMA in ICS 100, 200, NIMS 700 and 800. 

Content
A. Fundamentals of terrorism 

B. Homeland defense and security strategies 

C. Homeland security players and organizations 

D. Legal and jurisdictional issues 

E. Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS 100) 

F. ICS for single resources and initial action incidents (ICS 200) 

G. Incident management (NIMS - ICS 700) 

H. Introduction to the National Response Plan (NRP - ICS 800) 

Student Evaluation
Student evaluation will be based on written projects, examinations, quizzes, and other assignments as required by the instructor. 

Bibliography
Bevelaqua, Armando and Stilp, Richard. Terrorism Handbook for Operational Responders. 3rd ed. Clifton Park: Cengage, 2009. Print. 

Jordan, Robert.  Is America Safe?: Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Emergency Preparedness. Lanham: Rowan and Littlefield, 2009. Print.