ECON 382 - Economics of Disasters

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

A survey of the frequency, cost, and forms of compensation associated with disasters. A disaster occurs when natural phenomena cause damage, injury or loss of life and assets, environmental degradation, disruption in the livelihoods of individuals and communities, and interruptions in economic and social activity. While disasters are a global occurrence, the primary focus of this course is the experience with disasters in the United States. Risk management and policy discussions related to compensation and mitigation draw upon international best practice. Specific types of catastrophic events examined in the course include hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, drought, wildfires, and geological and man-made disasters. Vera Brusentsev.

Prerequisite(s): ECON 201 and ECON 203 or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS