Professional online certificate course in Disaster Management

Transcription

1 Online certificate course Professional online certificate course in Disaster Management Course length: 12 months online Course fee: National Societies and IFRC (and TISS alumni) participants $990 USD. Standard programme fee $1,980 USD. Award received: Certificate Diploma issued Audience: Red Cross and Red Crescent governance and senior leadership Red Cross and Red Crescent National staff and volunteers IFRC and ICRC staff Other humanitarian professionals Alanah Torralba/IFRC Overview The Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in partnership with the Tata Institute for Social Sciences (TISS) is proud to offer an affordable professional online introductory level course in disaster management. The course faculty is comprised of leading experts from around the world leveraging the decades of experience in disaster response, to enhance the knowledge and capacities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers and humanitarian professionals, resulting in building sustainable and resilient communities and nations. It provides students with real life case studies from one of the world s largest social movements.

2 2 About the course In line with Strategic Aim 1 of Strategy 2020 the IFRC commits to Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises. Disaster management is a trans-disciplinary field that aims to address existing practice-knowledge gaps by supporting professionals with the right blend of academic and practical approaches to reduce vulnerability and risks to hazards. Stakeholders in Disaster Management include governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector and individuals. Learning objectives On completion of the course students will be able to show critical understanding of: 1. The range of vulnerabilities faced by the poorest and marginalized and the impact endured by them in the developing world. 2. Key issues and debates related to disaster risk reduction, disaster response, and post-disaster recovery. 3. All stages of disaster management such as predisaster preparedness and mitigation, rescue and relief in the context of disaster, and post disaster rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery. Course details Modules 0 to 3 Module 0 Learning to learn. non-credit The participants will be oriented and introduced to the methodology of online classrooms and the tools for communication and interactions. Module 0 World Of Red Cross. non-credit This module introduces the participants to the world of the Red Cross. and the roles of its three main components, (i) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), (ii) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and, (iii) 189 members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Module 1 Introduction to development. 2 credits The key objective of the course is to equip students to examine basic concepts related to development, including human development and sustainability, in order to understand disasters and meaningful sustainable response to them. Topics covered include Concepts and Approaches to Growth and Development from the Welfare State to Globalisation, Poverty and Inequality, Human development, Sustainable Development, Governance and Development. Module 2 Humanitarian Principles, Laws and Standards in Disaster Management. 2 credits This module covers the basic understanding of the following themes/key areas: (a) Fundamental humanitarian Principles, (b) International disaster response law (IDRL), (c) International Humanitarian law (IHL), (d) Humanitarian Charter, (e) Code of Conduct, (f) Articulating the history and evolution of humanitarianism and (g) Various facets of applying humanitarian standards in disaster context. It provides a foundation by analysing these key issues and concepts and examines their interrelationship/ validity in practice. Module 3 Introduction to Hazards, Vulnerabilities and Disasters. 4 credits This module aims to develop a conceptual understanding of hazard, exposure, risk, vulnerability and disaster. The course explains how vulnerability and hazard interact to create disasters. The contents include: Introduction to Risk and Vulnerability, Political, Social and Economic Perspectives of Risk and Vulnerability, Disasters Introduction, Definition and Characteristics, Contributing Factors, Differentiating between Disasters, Potential Impacts of Disasters, Approaches to Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.

3 3 Course details Modules 4 to 8 Module 4 Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Planning. 2 credits The objective of the module is to develop knowledge and a critical outlook on the different frameworks, approaches and methods for disaster prevention, preparedness and vulnerability reduction which include Conceptual Framework of Disaster Risk Reduction the Hyogo Framework for Action, DRR Measures (Assessment, Early Warning, Natural Resource Management, Social and Economic Developmental Practices), DRR Planning, Hazard and Risk Reduction Strategies; Objectives of Disaster Risk Reduction, Understanding Resilience, Linking Vulnerability Reduction and Disaster Recovery. Module 5 Information Communication and Geoinformatics Technologies in Disaster Management. 2 credits Information communication Technology (ICT) and Geoinformatics Technology (GIT) have been widely used in planning, mitigation, and response in the disaster situations. This module covers: Introduction to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Geo-Informatics Technology (GIT), Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Application of GIT and GIS. Module 7 Term Paper Research and Analysis. 2 credits The Term paper requirement is designed to be a unique self-study course for participants to the online certificate programme. The module is aimed at facilitating the engagement of course participants with quality research. The participants will be encouraged to work closely with a faculty member, who will guide them systematically in selecting and developing a research area,, use appropriate methods for data collection, and produce a paper with an analytical framework. Module 8 Internship-Applied Knowledge/Practicum. 4 credits The Internship or Field Work in the certificate programme shall enable the participants to develop a broader national and international perspective on disaster management. The participants can choose their parent organization as a site for the internship or it may be based with organizations engaged with high quality research or practical work in the field of disaster risk reduction. Module 6 Disaster Response and Recovery. 4 credits Developing the understanding of the multiple stakeholders involved in disaster response and the standards of humanitarian aid, relief, rehabilitation and development. Topics covered include: Disaster Management Plans, Key Response Functions including Public Health, Logistics and Governance, Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

4 4 Course methodology Course assessment This online course in disaster management is conducted entirely online via the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS). The course consists of 22 credits and is an online distance learning programme where the participants study, complete the internship and term paper in their country. The course lasts for 12 months in total with each of the 8 modules. The course has been designed to recreate a classroom learning environment via online learning where reading materials and tools are provided for each module. The programme includes online professional course work together with supervised and graded field interns. Students will be able to engage fully with the programme content and with their peers, via lectures, discussion boards, group work, online chat, question and answer sessions with the tutor and through the provision of peer to peer feedback and assessment. The course will however require strong commitment from the participant and they are expected to devote approximately 8 10 hours online per week for their study. Course faculty Dr. S. Parasuraman is the Director of TISS and has over 25 years of experience as a teacher, trainer, activist, administrator and development worker. He has a strong foundation in critical thinking, and conceptual and analytical skills. He has always liked to be part of a larger team and has the rare ability to work in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary team. Prof. Parasuraman enjoys working in challenging social, political and physical environments. Dr. Parasuraman has a Master s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Poona, Pune and a Ph.D. in Demography from the University of Mumbai, Mumbai. He has also been conferred Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) by the Assam University. He has held key positions in international organisations: as Asia Regional Policy Coordinator, ActionAid Asia; Senior Advisor to the Commission, and Team Leader of the Secretariat; World Commission on Dams; and as Programme Director, Oxfam GB, India Programme. Currently, he is Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Prof. T.Jayaraman is currently Dean, School of Habitat Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Dr. Jayaraman s research interest includes Climate Change Policy, Energy issues, Global Mitigation and Carbon Budgets, Climate change Vulnerability and Adaptation and Sustainability Studies with emphasis on equity. He has undertaken various assignments, trainings and research on the subjects of Post Copenhagen climate change policy formulation and advocacy,indian Climate change scenario, Globalisation and Innovation, etc. He has a master s degree in Physics and a doctoral degree in theoretical physics from the University of Madras, Chennai, India.

5 5 Practical information on how to apply 1 4 Entry requirements Applications should have an undergraduate university degree from a recognized university as per the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Applicants should have a Lower Second Class Bachelor s degree or the overseas equivalent although each application is judged on its own merits and exceptions to this entry requirement may be made. Applicants who do not have a Bachelor s degree or the overseas equivalent may apply if they can demonstrate (via a personal statement) that they can communicate clearly, are highly motivated, and have experience of prior learning. Up to 50 qualified participants will be selected to participate in each course. Candidates from developing countries and those working in the humanitarian diplomacy field will receive priority. 2 English language The language of instruction is English. Applicants must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English to undertake postgraduate-level studies. This includes reading of academic texts, discussing complex concepts with other course participants and writing essays. Access to computer with a reliable internet connection. 3 Bursary/Scholarship Scheme We continue to work with our academic partners to expand the scholarships/bursaries on offer in partnership with donors who wish to sponsor qualified participants in need of financial support. There are a limited number of partial bursaries on offer intended to the most in need. Those wishing to be considered must complete the bursary section in the application process and ensure in their application they demonstrate need for this support. Further updates on this front will be communicated as they occur. 5 How to apply Applications must be submitted online via TISS website Additional inquiries can be addressed by to onlinedm@tiss.edu The IFRC Learning Network also offers online learning opportunities in the areas of Global Health, Disaster Management and Leadership Development. For more information on these programs including our online Learning Platform please visit us online at Qualification received and further study Successful completion of the course will result in a certificate in Disaster Management issued by Tata Institute for Social Sciences, India /2014 E 2,000