Time Schedule:
Loren K. Redwood
B CUSP 115
Bothell Campus
Addresses an important social issue through an interdisciplinary perspective, continues to build creative and critical skills, and focuses on the relationship between the individual and society. Offered: W.
Class description
August of 2005 will long be remembered for the largest natural disaster in the nation’s history, Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans and numerous other areas of the Deep South continue to attempt recovery from this tragic storm. But how will the aftermath of this event be remembered? Was it a national failure by an ill-equipped emergency system? Was it a demonstration of institutional oppression in action? What about the clean up process? Who was contracted by the federal government and who performed the dangerous and dirty labor of rebuilding? What areas were cleaned up and what areas left in a state of complete destruction? How has the demographic of the Deep South been changed forever by this event? This course will examine the complex systemic failures and institutional oppressions revealed by this national disaster. Through an examination of multiple perspectives on the event students will gain a greater understanding of the multilayered crisis, conflict and the tensions brought to national attention by this tragedy.
Student learning goals
Students will be expected to analyze and be able to critically articulate the events of Hurricane Katrina from multiple perspectives.
Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in critical dialogue with each to share their reflections and insights.
Students will practice their collaborative working skills in order to conduct research that focuses on the enduring impacts of the disaster. Some of the areas students may examine include cultural, racial, environmental, governmental/policy making. The group work will require students to examine the topic from the same multiple perspective analysis.
General method of instruction
Lecture, large and small group discussion, group work, written assignments and group presentations.
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
Reading Reflections, On-line discussion, one major group research project and group presentation
Regular participation in class discussion and activities, completion of all written assignments, regular participation in small group work, successful completion of group research project and group presentation.
