Social Vulnerability

Catalog description

This course reinforces understanding on social vulnerability and vulnerable population in relation to hazards and disasters. Students will analyze social, geographical, and cultural factors that put people differently at risk before, during, and after disasters. Students will explore how vulnerability influences the ability to mitigate to, prepare for, respond to and recover from hazards and disasters. Theories and concepts pertaining to social vulnerability are studied, along with social vulnerability and resilience measurement indices. This course also focuses on the interrelated relationship between disaster and development, and examines the importance of reducing liabilities and increasing capabilities to reduce vulnerability. The course emphasizes the importance of social and cultural considerations in emergency management activities to foster disaster resilience.