An introduction to the assessment and management of risk. Focuses on analytical techniques that assess risk; the primary application will be threats to critical infrastructure. Students will learn to conduct a risk and vulnerability analysis of a specific target, city or region using various assessment techniques and to manage that risk by assessing the efficacy of both prevention and response measures. The techniques covered will be both quantitative and qualitative.

The course will look at the origins of intelligence, tracing the history and role the intelligence community has played in the evolution of the United States. It will examine the “intelligence process” from requirements to collection, processing and exploitation, analysis, and the dissemination of finished products. Students will also look at how intelligence is used in national level policy and decision-making.

An examination of the role of the public health sector in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, emerging infectious diseases, catastrophic terrorism and bioterrorism. The class focuses on coordination and cooperation of federal, state and local government and the public-, private- and nonprofit-sector components of the public health infrastructure. Topics include epidemiological and mental health issues related to disasters, command/communication concerns, national stockpile management, surge planning, all-hazard planning and exercise design.

Dynamics of governmental administration including administrative principles, decision-making, communication, leadership, organizational models, and the social, economic, legal and political milieu of administration.

The examination of various methods for identifying and structuring public policy problems and issues, formulating and analyzing alternative responses, recommending policy actions for decision-making, and designing and evaluating implementation plans and the means to monitor and evaluate the resulting policy outcomes.

Principles and practices of managing federal and state funds and implementing a grant-funded program. Topics include federal grant-making process, applying for a grant, developing grant accounting systems, joint funding, disputes, appeals and remedies, and close-out procedures.

An intensive examination of the major functional responsibilities with a special emphasis on the organization, standards, operational imperatives, interrelationship with other functions, and special management problems at the local level, including small and rural jurisdictions.

Principles of urban design at the micro- and macro-scale. Expression of planning objectives in physical design, with emphasis on the relationship between urban design at various scales and the needs of individuals and groups.