JS 0516 - Homeland Security

3 Credit Hours
Provides a broad overview of homeland security and homeland defense as undertaken in the United States since 9/11. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine the range of threats facing the U.S. originating from abroad as well as at home. Much of our focus will be on terrorism and how it threatens the United States. We will analyze the structure, capabilities, and functioning of the systems designed to detect, prevent, and disrupt such threats, the laws and policies that govern homeland security, and roles and responsibilities of the various intelligence and homeland security entities. We will examine offensive and defensive measures related to critical infrastructure, cyberattack, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and others. In addition to gaining a broad, general understanding of this wide range of subjects, you will be introduced to asymmetric thinking, synthesize the growing body of literature in the discipline of homeland security, critique current practices and assumptions, and provide policy recommendations. Cross-listed with CJ 316. Prerequisite: Junior level standing, a 3.2 GPA, and permission of the instructor.