/ SYLLABUS FOR HMSY 1337
Introduction to Homeland Security
Flex WeBB
Semester Hours Credit:3
Lecture Hours:48
Course Dates: 09 Oct – 03 Dec 2017
Instructor:Jackson, Omar
Office Hours:TBA
Instructor Email:
Phone: N/A
  1. INTRODUCTION
  1. 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.
  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: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.
  1. Prerequisite(s): None
  1. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Introduction to Homeland Security the student will:

Understand the origin and history of homeland security.

  1. Acquire a basic knowledge of significant typologies and definitions of terrorism.
  2. Discuss and analyze the chronology of recent terrorism.
  3. Describe and critique the recurring issues pertaining to state terrorism and guerilla warfare as they relate to the media, weapons of mass destruction and international treaties.
  4. Describe and critique the basic elements of the ideology and the rationalization of violence.
  5. Acquire an in depth knowledge of the principles of trends in terrorism.
  6. Compare and contrast assigned written materials with outside scholarly journals. Evaluate, analyze, and synthesize the written material to form a well-developed conclusion.
  7. Acquire an in depth knowledge of the principles of trends in terrorism.
  8. Explain the evolution of homeland security including how private security, intelligence agencies and health emergency services have differed from public law enforcement.
  9. Define, apply, and critique the basic objectives of homeland security and the types of services and personnel that might be used to accomplish those objectives.
  10. Identify and explicate examples of interaction among homeland security agencies and law enforcement and know how the private policing function differs from that of a public police force. Become completely familiar with the legal authority they have and the restrictions on that authority.
  11. Understand the specific goals and responsibilities of homeland security professionals and understand the restrictions under which they must function; especially civil liability and such legislation as the Patriot Act.
  1. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

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

Required Student Textbook:

Nemeth, Charles P. (2013). Homeland Security An Introduction to Principles and Practice (2nd)

CRC Press

ISBN: 9781466510906

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Your first responsibility is scholarship and registration. Central Texas College (CTC) Site Coordinators are available at various locations to assist you. If a CTC Site Coordinator is not available, contact your education center counselor for assistance.
  2. Course assignments for Flex WeBB course are available in the Blackboard. You will need your seven digits CTC ID to access your Blackboard account. Visit your local CTC Site Coordinator or follow the instructions on the Central Texas College WebAdvisor if you need help retrieving it.
  3. Access CTC Blackboard:
  • Your username is 'c'(lowercase) + your 7-digit CTC ID
  • Your password is the month, day, and last two digits of the year in which you were born, in numeric form: mmddyy.
  1. This course is48clock hours in length and it is designed for you to work offline, for the most part. Access to the Blackboard will be mandatory during the first and the last week of the course, unless different arrangement have been made.
  2. Graded assignments are to be downloaded from the Blackboard on the student’s personal device or printed out. Those are available in the Download File. Ensure access to hard copies for working offline.
  3. First week graded assignment includes syllabus review. You are responsible to download the syllabus, review it, and submit a confirmation through the Blackboard assignment, indicating that the task has been completed. Failure to do so in timely manner will result in administrative withdrawal during the Census- Certification Roll completion.
  4. Occasionally an alternate assignment may be provided to accommodate the needs of students in remote locations. If in doubt, consult your instructor.
  1. You will set your own schedule within the time frame the course is offered. It is your responsibility to submit all assignments by the end date and complete all exams. For more information on the exams, read the EXAM section below.
  2. You will have an assigned instructor. If at any time you do not understand a reading assignment, audio visual presentation or lab work, ask your instructor for assistance. The instructor is there for you.
  3. 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 individual assignments, research papers or projects will be considered in grade computation.
  4. You are expected to read all assigned material. Keep informed on all assignments.
  5. 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.

  1. Papers/Projects: Assignment: The paper will give you the opportunity to analyze and write about a significant issues related to homeland defense. You will summarize the book by completing a one page per chapter summary of the book.

Format: The paper should be 12 double-spaced pages excluding a cover page and reference page and APA format. Topics: Chapter summary of the book. Complete your assignment as instructed.

Using word-processing software such as MS Word or Open Office save your file as an .rtf file to ensure that it can be opened at any computer.

V. COURSE FORMAT – Flex WeBB with Blackboard

  1. What are Flex WeBB courses?

Flex WeBB courses are offered at select locations. These courses are designed for students without consistent, reliable internet access. Access to the Internet is required at the beginning of the course to check into class and download the syllabus and assignments, and before the end of the course for submitting completed assignments and to take exams via Blackboard. It differs from the traditional college course in that you are allowed to work on your own, at your own pace, within set schedule limitations.

It is your responsibility to ensure access to your CTC Blackboard course at the beginning and by the end of the course, and that you familiarize yourself with the contents and assignments. It is also your responsibility to log into CTC Blackboard and submit assignments and take all required exams before the last day of the course. Failure to do so will have a negative impact on the course grade.

The course is scheduled for eight weeks. There will be no lectures provided by the instructor. You are responsible for following the sequence of activities presented in the course outline and completing all the assignments and exams as required.

Instructor consultations will be available throughout the course. You are responsible for arranging those with the instructor.

  1. How long do I have to complete the coursework?

All CTC Europe Flex WeBB courses have scheduled start and end dates. Generally, courses will be 8 weeks in length. Failure to complete the required coursework within this timeframe or to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in this class may result in one of the following actions:

  • You may receive an “F” as a course grade.
  • You may receive a “W” (withdrawal).
  • Your account may be placed on hold.
  • You may be required to reimburse your funding source for the full amount of tuition plus additional costs.

Contact the student services () for answers to questions regarding student services (records, transcripts, etc.), financial aid, and other concerns you might have.

  1. How do I contact my instructor?
  • If you are in a deployed or remote location without frequent internet access, you are to call the nearest education center and ask to speak with the CTC Site Coordinator. CTC Site Coordinators will contact the headquarters and arrange for the instructor to establish contact using your DSN number.
  • If you have Internet capabilities, you will communicate with your instructor through the Blackboard Messaging system. Contact your local Site Coordinator if you do not to hear from your instructor.

VI. EXAMINATIONS

  1. Your course will have 2exams. Exams will be administered via Biometric Signature application.See Blackboard announcement for additional information.

1.Non-Proctored Mid-term exam

2.Final exam Proctored via BioSig

3. Final Project

  1. If you know in advance that you will be unable to complete the exam by the last day of the course, due to valid reasons, it is your responsibility to communicate with the instructor in a timely manner and arrange to take an early examination, or to ask the instructor for an extension and an “IP” grade with a specific extension deadline that the instructor issues.Ensure to consult with the instructor about make-up work.

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

D.Examinations may consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-the-blank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions.

VII.SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATIONS

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

EXAM POINTS POINTS GRADES

Syllabus Review Due Week1 50

Assignments 550 900-1000 A=4 pts/sem hr

Mid-term Exam 100 800- 899 B=3 pts/sem hr

Final Project 200 700- 799 C=2 pts/sem hr

Final Exam 100 600- 699 D=1 pt/sem hr

0- 599 F=0 pts/sem hr

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TOTAL1000

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. Any changes will be announced on the first day of the class.

This is an eight-week course. It starts on October 9th, 2017 and ends on December 3rd, 2017.

This course has been developed in the Blackboard. It is a Flex WeBB course with exact start and end dates. Follow the announcement for additional information on the course contents that you download, on assignments that you submit, and on exams that you must take. Be sure to review the syllabus thoroughly and submit the syllabus assignment .

Lesson 1: Chapters 1&2

Learning Objectives

When you successfully complete this lesson, you will be able to:

Chapter 1

  • Identify major twentieth and twenty-first century events, both domestic and international, that have formed the United States' current policy position on Homeland Security.
  • Recognize that war, by its very nature, relies on forms of terror to meet its goals including its military tactics, strategies and governmental policies.
  • Analyze the effect the Cold War had on shaping Americans' notions of terror and explain the evolution of government's policy responses.
  • Describe the domestic events of the turbulent 1960s and 1970s to shed light on the country's response to domestic terrorism, as well as gain an understanding of the unique motivations of the domestic terrorists.
  • Differentiate the motives of the international terrorist from the domestic terrorist and comprehend that although the methods may be the same, the motivations differ.
  • Explain the unique motivations of the jihadist by exploring attacks against U.S. military targets and discover the motivations leading up to the events of 9/11.
  • Evaluate specific international terror incidents against U.S. installations prior to 9/11 to gain an understanding of the jihadist mentality that led up to the terror attacks against the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.
  • Identify specific domestic terror attacks, such as those perpetuated by Timothy McVeigh and Ted Kaczynski, in light of the effect these types of attacks have on national security policy.

Chapter 2

  • Analyze the events of 9/11 and explain the effect they had on the American population's psyche in relation to domestic security.
  • Appraise the effectiveness of the immediate response by government agencies to the events of September 11, 2001.
  • Describe the shortcomings of the lack of information exchange between various government agencies prior to 9/11 and analyze the influence the lack of communication had on the day's events.
  • Outline the new strategies and tactics that the safety community developed for mitigation and prevention of terrorism immediately following 9/11.
  • Describe the initial formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), its structure, and policy approach, mission, and goals.
  • Explain the structural changes that have taken place in DHS since its inception.
  • Summarize the DHS's hierarchy, major players, and various advisory committees.
  • List the various directorates and offices of DHS and discuss their mission and responsibilities.

These objectives reflect the important concepts of this lesson and should be used to guide your studies and your preparation for examinations.

  • Learning Activities
  • 1. Read Chapters 1 and 2 in the textbook.
  • 2. Study the Keywords, Discussion Questions and Practical Exercises at the end of the chapters in your textbook.
  • 3. Complete the graded assignments for this lesson.
  • Assignments
  • 1. Assignment #1-What is the most striking difference between DHS 2003 and DHS today? Give examples. Response must be at least 250 words.
  • 2. Assignment #2-You will summarize each chapter that is covered in this lesson by writing at least 500 words per chapter. Do not copy word for word from the book. You are to use your own thoughts while using the information from the book.
  • 3. Final Project-Getting Started-Now is a good time to begin working on your "Final Project". You can find the Final Project under Assignments folder.

Lesson 2: Ch 3&4