SOC300 SOCIOLOGY OF DISASTER
| Course Code: |
2320300 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): |
3(3-0) |
| ECTS Credit: |
6.0 |
| Department: |
Sociology |
| Language of Instruction: |
English |
| Level of Study: |
Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: |
|
| Offered Semester: |
Fall and Spring Semesters. |
Course Content
Disasters are fundamentally sociological events. First of all, the course will try to discuss how to sociologically conceptualize what a `disaster`is? what is a `hazard`? What is a`hazard risk`? Why we cannot justify the term `natural` to explain disasters? How can we understand the root drivers behind disasters? The course will then continue with a brief analysis of different theoretical discussions and sociological perspectives for understanding disasters? The course will continue explaining how disasters may enhance the previous social inequalities before and may lead to multidimensional, contextual and intersectional vulnerabilities during and after the disasters. The course will then focus on the difference between `disaster risk management` and `disaster risk reduction` approaches. While the first one is emphasizing the period after a disaster, the later refers to preventive strategies, referring to risk perception, awareness and preparedness. The role of NGOs will be also covered in the course. Especially there will be a discussion on whether we can talk of a `recovery` or a major social change after a disaster. In the course, various major disasters experienced in the world will be presented. Among them disaster/climate change induced migration will be particularly emphasized.
