There are 2 discussion posts here which are separate

Discussion 1 Federal Government's Role in Disasters

Competencies Addressed in This Discussion

• Competency 1: Analyze the range of potential human dynamics in a disaster.
• Competency 2: Apply cultural competence.

Introduction

Many may be confused by the role the federal government plays in disasters. One of the reasons for this may be that the role of the federal government can change depending upon the ideology of the president in office. During this unit, you have seen some presidents who prefer a larger federal government role and other presidents who prefer more power in the hands of state and local governments. Today's disaster management role by the federal government has been largely shaped by the events of 9/11, as well as large-scale natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

Instructions

For this discussion, assume a massive hurricane has struck, causing major damage, flooding, and extensive power outages.

In your main post:

• Explain the role you feel the federal government should take during this disaster event.
• Describe three ways in which the federal government taking this role will benefit affected citizens.
• Express two ways citizens might be adversely affected by the federal government taking the role you proposed.

Discussion Objectives

The competencies addressed in this discussion are supported by discussion objectives, as follows:

• Competency 1: Analyze the range of potential human dynamics in a disaster.
  • Describe three ways in which the federal government taking this role will benefit affected citizens.
  • Express how citizens might be adversely affected by the federal government taking the role you proposed.
• Competency 2: Apply cultural competence.
  • Explain the role you feel the federal government should take during this disaster event.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the posts of two peers.

• Did you identify any different federal government disaster roles than your classmate?
• Will your classmate's identified federal government's role benefit citizens as he or she proposed?
• Are there any other ways your classmate's federal government's role will benefit citizens?
• Will citizens be adversely affected as your classmate has noted?
• What other ways will citizens be adversely affected by your classmate's identified federal government's disaster role?

APA citations are not required for discussions. However, if outside material is used, you are required to cite references.

Resources

• CJ Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
• Criminal Justice Undergraduate Library Research Guide.
• Community of Excellence.
• G.R.E.A.T. Discussion Guidelines [PDF].

Discussion 2 Media and Presidential Policy

Competencies Addressed in This Discussion

• Competency 1: Analyze the range of potential human dynamics in a disaster.
• Competency 3: Apply the elements of recovery and mitigation.
• Competency 5: Explain the impact of the media on public perception about disaster relief efforts.

Introduction

One of the aspects that may have an effect on disaster public policy is the media. Presidents are decision makers who have their own beliefs about how disaster management should be handled. Nevertheless, the media can play a huge role in this process and affect the decisions of presidents and other disaster management policy makers. During this course, we have briefly touched on recovery, which is one phase of emergency management. This may arguably be the phase that receives the most media attention, particularly if the recovery process is perceived as not going well. We may often see interviews of citizens who appear to be in desperate situations.

Instructions

For this discussion, find a news article or other media coverage of disaster recovery.

In your main post:

• Post the link of the selected news article or other media coverage for everyone to explore.
• Provide an overview of your media story or media coverage for a disaster recovery.
• Analyze the media's perception regarding recovery efforts.
• Predict how you would act if you lived in this disaster area and if this disaster affected you.
• Describe one additional way in which emergency management officials could aid the recovery process.

Discussion Objectives

The competencies addressed in this discussion are supported by discussion objectives, as follows:

• Competency 1: Analyze the range of potential human dynamics in a disaster.
  • Predict how you would act if you lived in this disaster area and if this disaster affected you.
• Competency 3: Apply the elements of recovery and mitigation.
  • Find a news article or other media coverage of disaster recovery.
  • Describe one additional way in which emergency management officials could aid the recovery process.
• Competency 5: Explain the impact of the media on public perception about disaster relief efforts.
  • Provide an overview of your media story or media coverage for a disaster recovery.
  • Analyze the media's perception regarding recovery efforts.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the posts of two peers.

• Do you agree with your classmate's assessment of the media's perception, after reviewing his or her media?
• Do you agree with the media's perception of the story your classmate cited?
• What factors led to your agreement or disagreement with the media's perception?
• Would you act the same way as your classmate? If you would act differently, how so?
• Are you able to identify an additional way in which emergency management official could aid the recovery process?

APA citations are not required for discussions. However, if outside material is used, you are required to cite references.

Resources

• CJ Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
• Criminal Justice Undergraduate Library Research Guide.
• Community of Excellence.
• G.R.E.A.T. Discussion Guidelines [PDF].