DSC 1751 - Homeland Security Policy & Law

College of Public Safety Administration

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2026 (670)

Course Description

This course introduces participants to the major debates about balancing democratic freedoms with security - from the Patriot Act to Supreme Court decisions on detention powers. The course provides insight into legal strategies necessary to confront ongoing national security threats. The course examines laws designed to preserve both our security and our democratic way of life.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the policy and law designed to balance democratic freedom and national security by:
    1. explaining the role of coercion in interrogation.
    2. describing when is detention allowable.
    3. explaining when government should infiltrate religious or political groups.
    4. describing 'profiling' and discussing when or if it should be allowed.
    5. locating standards the government should use for collecting and using information on citizens from private databases.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the major legislation enacted since 9-11 and policy documents designed to confront ongoing national security threats by:
    1. describing the key concepts and principles underlying the Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Maritime Security Act, and the Aviation Transportation Security Act of 2001.
    2. describing Homeland Security Presidential Directives and their effect on U.S. policy.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 70 percent accuracy demonstrate achievement of the above objectives through: 1. Examinations 2. Written Exercises 3. Class assignments/projects

History of Changes

C&I 6/28/05, BOT 8/23/05, Effective 20051(0355). (Submitted as FFP 1X11; SCNS assigned prefix/number). 3 Year Review 2008. C&I Approval: 06/28/2005, BOT Approval: 08/23/2005, Effective Term: Fall 2005 (355).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2026 (670)

Related Programs

  1. Homeland Security (HLS-CT) (625) (Active)
  2. Homeland Security and Emergency Management (EAM-AS) (640) (Active)
  3. Public Safety Administration (PSA-TR) (670) (Active)