This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to disaster preparedness, recovery, and response to coastal hazards, focusing on policy and planning strategies aimed at addressing regional vulnerabilities and preparing global communities for catastrophic events. I analyzed the global interconnectedness of these hazards, exploring how they are influenced by a complex mix of geological, meteorological, and oceanographic factors, along with socioeconomic, technological, and cultural conditions. Through real-world case studies of major tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, and rip currents, my work emphasized the need for an integrated approach to disaster resilience that combines environmental, technical, and social factors to ensure effective risk management and mitigation.

This course provides an introduction to the broad and interdisciplinary field of LGBTQ+ Studies. Adopting a global perspective, I explored how social, cultural, and political factors have historically influenced the freedom of expression for individuals with non-normative sexualities and gender identities. As a queer woman, my lived experiences provided me with a unique perspective that enabled me to meaningfully contribute to discussions and promote diverse representation within the classroom.

This course encourages a critical reexamination of the politics of repression, protest, armed insurrection, and revolution through an in-depth analysis of social science theories. By exploring global case studies of political movements, I examined strategies for peace and conflict resolution, focusing on how harmful rhetoric and propaganda influences government reform in the modern context. This course has deepened my understanding of the dynamic relationship between power, rhetoric, and resistance, highlighting the urgent need for thoughtful, ethical approaches to conflict resolution and social change in today's world.

This course explores the origins and global application of human rights, built on the premise that while concepts like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are often taken for granted in Western democracies, they aren’t universally acknowledged. I examined the foundational theories and key historical events that have shaped human rights law, including the pivotal 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and how these principles have been implemented in different regions. My awareness broadened regarding the institutional frameworks that support human rights, as well as the real-world challenges that hinder their protection on a global scale.