SYLLABUS FOR HMSY 1337
Introduction to Homeland Security
Hybrid Course
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Lecture Hours: 48
Location: NSA Naples Support Site
Course Dates/Times: In Class sessions –
Tuesday 1800-2100: January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16,
23, March 1, 8. with additional weekly CTC Blackboard
discussions and assignments
Instructor: Amanda Chestnut
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 1600-1800
Instructor Email: Amanda.Chestnut@yahoo.com
Phone: +39 3429194457
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY
Amanda Chestnut
B.A. Homeland Security, American military University
M.A. Business and Organizational Security Management, Webster University
I have 10+ years of experience working for the Department of Defense within multiple
agencies. I am an Air Force veteran and since ending my active duty service I have focused
on the security discipline and protecting U.S. government assets within the Air Force and the
Navy.
I.
INTRODUCTION
A.
The goal of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding
of the strategic, political, legal, and organizational challenges associated with
the defense of the U.S. homeland, the efforts that are under way to meet these
challenges, and possible policy options. The course starts by examining the
range of potential threats to the U.S. homeland, focusing on potential terrorist
acts. The course then examines strategies and means for addressing these
threats, including both military and non-military options. The course goes on
to analyze organizational issues and impediments to effective policy
coordination. Finally, the course addresses the implications of homeland
security challenges and policies for constitutional rights, legal protections, and
civil liberties.
B.
This course is a required course in the Homeland Security – Emergency
Management Associate of Applied Science Degree.
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II.
C.
This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in:
Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.
D.
Prerequisite(s): None
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, Introduction to Homeland Security the
student will:
Understand the origin and history of homeland security.
III.
A.
Discuss and analyze the chronology of recent terrorism.
B.
Identify and understand homeland security Post 9/11.
C.
Develop a basic knowledge of domestic terrorism.
D.
Outline the specific roles that individuals and governmental agencies play in
homeland security.
E.
Describe the current major laws, regulations, and budgeting requirements for
homeland security.
F.
Identify risks, threats, and hazards associated with homeland security
G.
Describe training and exercises involved in homeland security.
H.
Develop an in depth knowledge of the challenges associated with national,
state, local and tribal governments in terms that involve homeland security.
I.
Explain FEMA and its role in homeland security.
J.
Explain the evolution of homeland security intelligence agencies.
K.
Describe border security and how it affects homeland security.
L.
Identify and explain transportation security.
M.
Identify the specific goals and responsibilities of homeland security and its
role in public health.
N.
Develop an understanding of homeland security and its future.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through
http://www.ctcd.edu/academics/booksinstructional-materials/
Required Student Textbook:
Nemeth, C. (2013). Homeland Security: An Introduction to Principles and
Practice. (2nd ed.) CRC Press.
ISBN: 9781466510906
IV.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
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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 class regularly in both face-to-face and online Central Texas
College (CTC) Blackboard classes. Online attendance involves logging into your
Blackboard class and participating in discussions, submitting assignments, 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.
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
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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 – Hybrid with BLACKBOARD
This course has been developed as a hybrid course. Hybrid courses combine face-toface classroom instruction with assignments and interaction with instructor via CTC
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
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 eight weeks--once a week--for a three-hour face-to-face
session. In addition, instructional strategies will include weekly CTC Blackboard
assignments and discussion boards to accomplish the remaining instruction per week.
VI.
EXAMINATIONS
A.
VII.
There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or
project as follows:
1.
Mid-term exam on 09 Feb 15
2.
Final exam on 08 Mar 15
3.
Term Paper due on 11 Mar 15
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 inthe-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.
SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
Participation
Assignments & Quizzes
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100 points
200 points
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Discussion Boards (mandatory)
Term Paper/Term Presentation
Mid-term Exam
Final Exam
Total possible points:
POINTS
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
0-599
150 points
150 points
200 points
200 points
1000 points
GRADES
A=4 pts/sem hr
B=3 pts/sem hr
C=2 pts/sem hr
D=1 pt/sem hr
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
A. 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.
B. GoArmyEd students 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.
C. 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.”
D. 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
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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.
E. 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.
F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course
requirements.
G. 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. Any changes will be
announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it
is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or
the instructor.
Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with assignments and
interaction via CTC Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that
they have access to internet so that they may communicate, via CTC Blackboard,
with the instructor. The class is broken down into eight sessions. See below for course
outline.
Due Dates: All Discussion questions are due on Sunday of the completing week.
Discussion questions will be graded based on participation online and in class.
All essay assignments are due in class following the week assigned. Example:
Assignment for week 3 is due in class on Tuesday of week 4.
Quiz’s will be administered in class/online TBD. If online they are due the Sunday of
the completing week.
SESSION 1 – January 18-24, 2016 Intro and Lesson One- Three
Lesson One:
Introduction of Class; Ch. 1 - The Idea and Origin of Homeland Security
Lesson Two:
Ch. 2. - Terror, Threat, and Disaster Post-9/11: A New Paradigm of Homeland
Security
Lesson Three:
Ch. 2. - Terror, Threat, and Disaster Post-9/11: A New Paradigm of
Homeland Security (continued)
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a) Class will meet face-to-face on January 19, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: 2 discussion questions
Term paper topic due
SESSION 2 – January 25-31, 2016 Lesson Four-Five
Lesson Four:
Ch. 3 – Homeland Security Law, Regulations, and Budgeting
Lesson Five:
Ch. 3 – Homeland Security Law, Regulations, and Budgeting (continued)
a) Class will meet face-to-face on January 26, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: Multiple choice quiz
Discussion question
Term paper thesis and outline submitted
SESSION 3 – February 1-7, 2016 Lesson Six – Eight
Lesson Six:
Ch. 4 – Risk Management, Threats, and Hazards
Lesson Seven:
Ch. 5 – Training and Exercises in Homeland Security
Lesson Eight:
Ch. 6 – DHS Challenges: National vs. State and Local, National Security vs.
Homeland Security
a) Class will meet face-to-face on February 2, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
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Assignments: Discussion questions
2 page essay on Risk management and training. How does your city/county prepare and
mitigate threats natural/manmade; identify, deter, defend, and respond?
Create a proposed training outline to further develop or implement a training plan for
large scale disasters.
Or
Outline mitigation measure to protect identified assets (water treatment, power plants,
national monuments, etc.).
SESSION 4 – February 8-14, 2016 Mid-Term and Lesson Nine
Midterm Exam- 09 Feb 2016
Lesson Nine:
Ch. 7 – FEMA, Response, and Recovery
a) Class will meet face-to-face on February 9, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
1. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: Discussion question
SESSION 5 – February 15-21, 2016 Lesson Ten- Eleven
Lesson Ten:
Ch. 8 - Intelligence
Lesson Eleven:
Ch. 9 – Border Security, U.S. Citizenship, and Immigration Services
a) Class will meet face-to-face on February 16, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
a. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: Discussion question
2 page essay- Currents events: refugee crisis. From a security standpoint
what does our nation need to be aware of?
Term paper progress report
SESSION 6 – February 22-28, 2016 Lesson Twelve-Thirteen
Lesson Twelve:
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Ch. 10 – Transportation Security
Lesson Thirteen:
Ch. 10 – Transportation Security (continued)
Ch. 9 – Border Security, U.S. Citizenship, and Immigration Services
a) Class will meet face-to-face on February 23, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
a. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: Discussion question
2 page essay- current events: what could have been done differently to
prevent the train attacks in France (stopped by USAF airman), A/C
bomb in Egypt to Russia? Think measures, changes, difficulties that have
been introduced since the Tokyo sarin attacks 1995 and 9/11. What
security measures do you propose that do not already exist? Pros/cons?
Can we maintain ease of travel, non-racial profiling, and privacy of
passengers?
SESSION 7 – February 29-march 6, 2016 Lesson Fourteen-Fifteen
Lesson Fourteen:
Ch. 11 – Homeland Security and Public Health
Lesson Fifteen:
Ch. 12 – The Future of Homeland Security
a) Class will meet face-to-face on March 1, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight
(European time)
a. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by
Sunday midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: Discussion
Quiz
SESSION 8 – March 7-13, 2016 Final Exam and Term Paper Due
Final Exam- 08 Mar 16
a) Class will meet face-to-face on March 8, 2016 (1800 to 2100)
b) CTC Blackboard Discussion Board posts are due by Thursday at midnight (European
time)
a. CTC Blackboard peer response to Discussion Board posts is due by Sunday
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midnight (European time)
c) CTC Blackboard assignment/project is due Sunday midnight (European time)
Assignments: 9-10 page Term paper due
Term paper ideas:
How does FEMA fit into Homeland Security?
DHS Challenges: National vs. State and Local
DHS Challenges: National Security vs. Homeland Security
Natural Disaster vs terror threat? Priority of focus?
Homeland Security and Public Health
Homeland Security’s future in light of current terrorist events? (based on research not
opinion)
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