Sociology: Sociology of Disaster

Examination of disasters using a sociological, critical lens. Analysis of research, theories, and current debates in the field of disaster sociology. Prerequisite: Three hours of Sociology.

Pre-reqs 3 hours of Sociology; minimum Soph standing PACE students by permission and override.

This intermediate-level course is designed to give undergraduate students a broad overview of the scholarship, debates, and theories in the field of the sociology of disaster. We will use a sociological lens to examine disasters stemming from natural hazards, such as earthquakes and floods, technological disasters, such as Three Mile Island, and terrorist attacks, such as 9/11. We will also use the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study throughout the semester. As sociologist Robert Merton stated, the disaster setting is a strategic site in which to learn about social phenomenon and reveal social problems, as disasters “strip away the veil” that usually obscures social conditions. We will explore various topics such as risk perception, differential vulnerability, collective behavior, the stigma of receiving assistance, volunteerism, climate change adaptation, children’s experiences with displacement, unequal recovery, and disaster capitalism.

There will be 45 students in the course. This course meets three times each week. Students are expected to do the assigned readings. The course will have three in-class exams. Regular class attendance and class participation are expected. The course has lecture, discussion, in-class writing, and small group activities.

The course will have three in-class exams. Regular class attendance and class participation are expected. The course has lecture, discussion, in-class writing, and small group activities.