Ateneo - UPO

The course explores the life cycle of disasters and the governance of its various stages, including risk assessment and management; conflict prevention and management; political and institutional communication; coordination of international interventions; technological innovation and data management. Moreover, the course examines how disasters and health crises both shape and are shaped by social structures and dynamics. The course includes lectures by professionals working in disaster management and the humanitarian sector, who will present case studies and engage students in exercises and group work.

Trentin, M., Valente, M., Longo, E., Rubini, E., Bahattab, A., Facci, G., Ziliani, G., Carpentieri, L., Della Corte, F., & Ragazzoni, L. (2024). Being a migrant woman during disasters: A phenomenological study to unveil experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan, Italy, SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2024.100506 Wisniowski A et al. (2023) "The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnic minorities in Manchester: lessons from the early stage of the pandemic", Frontiers in Sociology, 8. 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1139258 Aldrich, D. P. (2011). The Externalities of Strong Social Capital: Post-Tsunami Recovery in Southeast India, Journal of Civil Society, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/17448689.2011.55344 Ciottone RG et al, Disasters Medicine – Third edition, Elsevier, 2024. Quarantelli E.L. Catastrophes Are Different from Disasters: Some Implications for Crisis Planning and Managing Drawn from Katrina, June 11, 2006 - https://items.ssrc.org/understanding-katrina/catastrophes-are-different-from-disasters-some-implications-for-crisis-planning-and-managing-drawn-from-katrina/

The course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge on the interpretation of disasters and health crises. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the different stages of the life cycle of disasters. Through case studies and critical analysis, they will learn to apply these insights to real-world situations, enhancing their ability to approach disaster and health crisis management with a comprehensive mindset.

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The module uses a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, and case study discussions.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage:https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz with multiple-choice questions. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths, and to pass the exam, a student must achieve at least 18/30. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a passing grade, students must be familiar with the different stages of the life cycle of disasters, and demonstrate the acquisition of the relevant basic notions of the governance and sociology of disaster. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.

The course will focus on: 1) the life cycle of disasters ; 2) risk assessment and management; 3) conflict prevention and management; 4) political and institutional communication; 5) making decisions and managing situations in presence of uncertainty; 6) building plans and planning methods; 7) coordination of international interventions; 8) technological innovation and data management in disaster governance; 9) disaster vulnerability, with particular attention to ethnic minorities’ vulnerability during the Covid-19 pandemic; 10) the role of social capital and its positive and negative effects, especially in recovery processes. Case studies from both Italian and international contexts will be used to illustrate these concepts. These examples will support the course by providing real-world applications of the theoretical discussions.

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the dynamics concerning the different stages of the life cycle of disasters, their main challenges and possible responses to those challenges. Additionally, students will increase their ability to develop holistic and inclusive management strategies of disasters and health crises. Through case studies, they will be able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world events, ultimately contributing to more effective management of disasters and health crises.