Course Description
The anatomy of disasters examined from both anthropological and sociological perspectives. Case studies are presented through several conceptual lenses for clarifying individual, social, cultural, and political responses to catastrophic events. Prerequisite: 3 s.h. of course work with a prefix of ATY or SOC or permission of instructor; Note: Same as SOC 377.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Explain major anthropological and sociological approaches to the study of disasters, vulnerability, and environmental risk.
Analyze how social, political, economic, and historical factors shape exposure to hazards and unequal disaster outcomes.
Apply concepts such as vulnerability, resilience, mutual aid, colonialism, displacement, and recovery to contemporary disaster case studies.
Interpret ethnographic and social scientific evidence related to disaster experiences, responses, and recovery efforts.
Develop evidence-based arguments about disaster preparedness, response, recovery, or policy using course concepts and scholarly sources.
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Attendance & Participation | 50 points |
Summaries | 50 points |
Quiz I | 75 points |
Quiz II | 75 points |
Essays | 225 points |
Peer review | 75 points |
Final Presentation | 100 points |
Final grades are based on the percentage earned in the course and follow the grading scale below.
Grading Scale
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93-100.00% | A |
90-92.99% | A- |
87-89.99% | B+ |
83-86.99% | B |
80-82.99% | B- |
77-79.99% | C+ |
73-76.99% | C |
70-72.99% | C- |
67-69.99% | D+ |
63-66.99% | D |
60-62.99% | D- |
below 59.99% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
As this class format is a blend of lecture and discussion, attendance for this course is required.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Faas, A. J. 2023. In the Shadow of Tungurahua: Disaster Politics in Highland Ecuador. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press. ISBN: 9781978831568.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.