DISASTERS AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the sociological examination of disasters. In the course students will learn about vulnerability in terms of social, economic, political, geographical and cultural factors. Students will investigate how vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, and low income, are affected and cope before, during and after hazardous events. Other topics covered include: disaster warning responses, evacuation behavior, survival behavior, roles of volunteers, and disaster impacts.