Main Content

Syllabus

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

PUBPL 475 Critical Infrastructure Protection (3) This course provides knowledge about protection of critical infrastructure as an aspect of homeland security.

Prerequisite: 5th semester standing

Overview | Goal | Materials | Technical Requirements | Writing Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies

Overview

PUBPL 475 - Critical Infrastructure Protection explores the federal mandates, vision, policies and relevant national strategies and plans for identifying and protecting the Nation's critical infrastructures (CI), key resources (KR) and significant special events (SSE) - collectively referred to by the abbreviation CIKR. The Course focuses on policies and programs designed to prevent catastrophic events and to protect/sustain the Nation’s CIKR.

PUBPL 475 examines such activity through an understanding of the network of organizations at all levels of the public- and private-sectors responsible for its safety and resiliency against natural and/or man-made events. Case examples are provided of catastrophic events to provide an understanding of risks involved in CIKR. Understanding and articulation of key principles will be measured through preparation of a written analysis of a key Homeland Security issue consistent with current policy and legal constraints.

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Course Goal

This course has one goal: An informed, general overview and awareness of the U.S. approach to planning for, funding and executing Homeland Security activities related specifically to the protection of CIKR across the entire Homeland Security Spectrum of Operations – from Prevention to Response – from the national strategic (federal), operational (regional and state) and tactical (county and municipality) levels of government.  Achieving this Goal will require successful completion of the Learning Objectives within each of the lessons.

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Materials


There are no course materials to purchase for this course.

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

 

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Technical Requirements

For this course we recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:

Technical Requirements
Operating System Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
*Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version
Processor 2 GHz or higher
Memory 1 GB of RAM
Hard Drive Space 20 GB free disk space
Browser We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion, and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows
from Penn State websites.

Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching,
older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses.
Plug-ins Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software Microsoft Office (2007 or later)
Internet Connection Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer Access to graphics-capable printer
DVD-ROM Required
Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers Required
Monitor Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution

World Campus Help Desk

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!


 
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Writing Requirements and Grading

Grading

There are 3 categories of assignments in this course.  Below are the categories with their corresponding lessons and weight.

CategoryWeightPoints (per assignment)
Written Responses (Information Papers and Essays)70%25 pts
Discussion Forums

10%

20 pts
Term Paper20%

70 pts

Grading Scale

Grade Percentage
A94% to 100%
A-90% to 93%
B+87% to 89%
B84% to 86%
B-80% to 83%
C+76% to 79%
C70% to 75%
D60% to 69%

Evaluation and demonstration of student knowledge will occur through Graded Assignments comprising papers and a term paper addressing a contemporary Homeland Security issue.  Below are the expectations associated with each graded assignment.

Citations and Writing Style Requirements for Written Assignments

Click here to access the PSU Libraries APA Citation Guide

Writing Tutoring Available

Penn State World Campus and the University Learning Centers, the Ungraduate Writing Center, and the Center for Excellence in Writing at Penn State University Park are please to announce that students can now access tutoring services online. Get tutoring support before papers are due.

To meet with a tutor online, complete the form available at:

http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/online-tutoring.shtml

Once you have sent in your request, a tutor will be in touch to arrange a time for you to meet online. Tutoring sessions will take place in Elluminate Live!, a synchronous audio environment that will allow you to talk to you tutor. When you request your tutoring session, you will be provided with information on how to access Elluminate Live!

Formats for Graded Assignments

Discussion Forums

Directions associated with each discussion forum require an initial post by each participant as well as replies to at least two classmates in a manner that extends the discussion. In your initial post, there should be evidence of the following:

  • Commentary that addresses the discussion forum question
  • Individual analysis and reflection
  • Justification of response, including research citations when appropriate

Essay & Term Paper

The following format is suggested for all essay submissions:

  • Introductory paragraph
  • Body addressing the graded assignment directions
  • Conclusion that summarizes your work

Length: 750-1000 words.

Information Paper

Information Papers are used in the public-sector at every level of government - and that means that each of these levels has its own peculiar style or format manual prescribing what elements should be covered in the paper.  They are generally used to inform newly-arriving officials/supervisors of unfamiliar, existing or emerging issues.   As the name implies, they are used to provide the most essential information about a particular subject and should leave the reader with a general understanding of an issue or subject.

It is expected that the reader may contact the author for additional details.  Information Papers should not contain opinion, conjecture, findings or recommendations unless otherwise requested.  Every supervisor has his/her way of seeking information on a subject; you'll encounter many should you seek a career in Public Administration.

Decision-makers will usually provide guidance in advance as to length, composition, topics to be included, etc.  Try to capture data in short, declarative sentences vice long paragraphs.  Bullet points work especially well.  Citations (footnotes & endnotes) are not usually used unless otherwise indicated by your particular agency style/format manual; it is expected that you can provide the reference if asked.

Information Papers are routinely used with accompanying an PowerPoint presentation as Handouts during cabinet meetings, interdepartmental communications and external presentations/briefs to Homeland Security oriented individuals/committees.

Length: 750-1000 words.

The grade earned for each assignment is based on how well the information paper addresses the specific points of the graded assignment as well as the grammar, composition and spelling.

Although no specific format is prescribed, the recommended format for this course is provided herein.  You should include the subject of the Information Paper under the Title, a Purpose paragraph, a Background paragraph, a General Topics section that contains the major topical information.  Bullet points usually indicate sub-topics.  A Point of Contact (POC) line is used at the end in case the reader has additional questions; it usually contains the writer's name, email address, phone number and date prepared.

Margins:  1" all around (to save paper - budget cuts!)

[Title] Information Paper

[Subject] "Post-9/11 Legal Basis for Homeland Security Initiatives"

Purpose.  To provide information on ...[state the specific purpose here]

Background.  Provide a general background on the subject of the paper.

[General Topics here].  List the major topic and a general Overiew.

  • Major highlight #1
  • Major highlight #2
  • etc.

For Additional Information, see: [List the primary & secondary sources or hyperlinks]

POC:  Name, Office, email address, phone number and date developed (e.g.,

Jim Powers, OHS, jfp18@psu.edu, 717-385-5187, 11 September 2011)

Presentation

Presentations are a common means of conveying key points throughout the public and private sector worlds. Students should use PowerPoint as the presentation medium with pertinent briefing points and details indicated in Notes Pages format.  The following presentation protocols should be used:

  1. Title Slide
  2. Agenda Slide
  3. Major Topic Slides
    • No more than 5 lines of bullet points per slide
    • Lines should not wrap
    • No more than 5 Major Topic Slides
  4. Summary Slide

Please review an example of what a PowerPoint presentation should look like. Pay close attention to the notes section for added tips and directions. Click this link to download the example: PowerPoint Example

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Course Schedule
Course Schedule

Note that assignments are due based on the Eastern Time zone (EST or EDT). This ensures that all students have the same deadlines regardless of where they live.

 

  • Course length: 15 weeks

Lesson 0: Course Orientation
Lesson X
Readings:
  • None
Assignments:
  • Review Academic Integrity Policy
Lesson 1: Post 9/11 Legal Basis for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

Read the following required designated sections of the following federal statutes for inferences to the protection of the Nation's CIKR.​
  • "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001" (USA PATRIOT Act of 2001)

Title VII - Increased Information Sharing for Critical Infrastructure Protection 
Title X - Miscellaneous, Section 1016 (a-c): Critical infrastructures protection

  • Homeland Security Act of 2002"

Title II - Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, Subtitle B - Critical Infrastructure Information, Sections 211-215

  • "Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004"

Sec. 7306. Critical infrastructure and readiness assessments
Sec 1016. Information Sharing (Title I—Reform of the Intelligence Community)

  • "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007"

Title I - Homeland Security Grants
Title X - Improving Critical Infrastructure Security, Sections 1001-1002
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Post 9/11 Statutes Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 01 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper focused on one of the four post 9/11 laws you will learn about in Lesson 1.
Lesson 2: Presidential Decision Directives and Executive Orders
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7  - Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection
  • Executive Order 13231 - Critical Infrastructure Protection in the Information Age
  • Presidential Policy Directive 21 - Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience 
  • Executive Order 13636 - Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity 
  • 2014 Executive Order 13636 Privacy and Civil Liberties Assessment Report
  • The Privacy and Civil Liberties Assessment Report: What Does It Really Tell Us? A Chief Privacy Officer's Perspective ​
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Vision and Policies Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 02 Graded Assignment (Essay).You are responsible for writing a paper focused on critical infrastructure protection related to presidential directives and executive orders.
Lesson 3: National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • The National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.
Assignments:
  • Participate in the National Strategies Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts. Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 03 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper and handout assessing the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.
Lesson 4: National Infrastructure Protection Plan (Part 1)
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan, 2006
  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan Partnering to enhance protection and resiliency 2009
  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan 2013, Partnering for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience
  • DHS Office of Infrastructure Protection
  • Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007
  • Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
  • DHS Sector Specific Plans
  • A Review of Power Outages and Restoration 
Assignments:
  • Participate in the NIPP Analysis Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 04 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on one of the CIKR studied this week.
Lesson 5: National Infrastructure Protection Plan (Part 2)
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan, 2006
  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan Partnering to enhance protection and resiliency 2009
  • National Infrastructure Protection Plan 2013, Partnering for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience
  • Government Shutdown Defied, Grand Canyon Reopens For a Week
  • Secretary Jewell, NPS Director Release New Report Showing National Parks Remain Strong Economic Engines, Support 243,000 Jobs Nationwide
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Private Sector Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts. Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 05 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on one of the CIKR studied this week.
Lesson 6: National Protection and Programs Directorate 
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Students are required to read: 

    • National Protection and Programs Directorate
    • Office of Infrastructure Protection
    • Sector Outreach and Programs Division
  • In addition to the required readings, the following is a list of resources that provide additional background information. While you are not required to read them, I encourage you to glance through them.
    • Federal Protective Services
    • Office of Biometric Identity Management
    • Office of Cyber and Infrastructure Analysis
    • Office of Cybersecurity and Communications
    • Infrastructure Information Collection Division
    • Infrastructure Security Compliance Division
    • National Infrastructure Coordinating Center
    • Protection Security Coordination Division
Assignments:
  • Complete Mid-Course Survey
  • Participate in the NPPD Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening. Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 06 Graded Assignement (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on the chemical sector this week.
Lesson 7: Grants
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Homeland Security Grant Program 
  • ​Transit Security Grant Program 
  • Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program 
  • American Public Transportation Association 2014 Annual Report 
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Port Security Grant Program Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 07 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on mass transit security grants this week.
Break
Lesson X
Readings:
  • None
Assignments:
  • No Assignments 
Lesson 8: Information Sharing
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • 9/11 Commission Report, Chapter 13, How to Do It?  A Different Way of Organizing the Goverment
  • Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004
  • Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
  • Fusion Centers
  • 2012 National Strategy for Information Sharing and Safeguarding, 
  • 2011 DHS IG Report Relationships Between Fusion Centers and Emergency Operations Centers
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Information Sharing Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete the Lesson 08 Graded Assignment (Essay).  You are responsible for writing an information paper focused on your state fusion center and Ebola.
Lesson 9: Cyber Security
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Students are required to read:

    • DHS Cybersecurity
    • National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center
    • Executive Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
    • National Institute of Standards and Technology, Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

  • In addition to the required readings, the following is a list of resources that provide additional background information. While you are not required to read them, I encourage you to glance through them.

    • Officials Warned 500 Million Financial Records Hacked
    • Memos Justifying Bush-era Justifying Warrantless Wiretapping Released
    • Twitter Sues U.S. Justice Department for right to reveal surveillance requests
    • Let's Pass Cybersecurity Legislation
    • Protecting Cyber Networks Act
Assignments:
  • Participate in Cyber Security Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete the Lesson 09 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on cybersecurity this week.
Lesson 10: Government Accountability
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Students are required to read: 

    • Government Accountability Office
    • Critical Infrastructure Protection: More Comprehensive Planning Would Enhance the Cybersecurity of Public Safety Entities' Emerging Technology
    • Critical Infrastructure Protection, Observations on Key Factors in DHS's Implementation of Its Partnership Approach
Assignments:
  • Participate in the GAO Investigation Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts. Your original post should be posted by Thursday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 10 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on the Government Accountability Office this week.
Lesson 11: Ebola Part 1
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Students are required to read: 

    • National Infrastructure Protection Plan
    • Healthcare and Public Health Sector-Specific Plan
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Ebola Questions Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts.  Your original post should be posted by Wednesday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 11 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on Ebola this week. The paper you write will be directly related to the role you have in the group project.
Lesson 12: Ebola Part 2
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Students are required to read: 

    • National Infrastructure Protection Plan
    • Healthcare and Public Health Sector-Specific Plan
    • Under Pressure, Cuomo Says Ebola Quarantines Can Be Spent at Home
    • Bike-riding Nurse Defies Ebola Quarantine, on Collision Course With Governor
    • Family of Dallas Ebola Victim Settles with Hospital That Treated Him
    • Salt Shipment to NJ Costs $700,000 More By Barge Than By Ship, Transportation Chief Says
Assignments:
  • Participate in the Ebola Issues Discussion Forum. You are responsible for posting one entry in the discussion forum and responding to at least two of your classmate's posts. Your original post should be posted by Wednesday evening.  Please note that your responses should include references to information you are citing.
  • Complete Lesson 12 Graded Assignment (Essay). You are responsible for writing a paper on Ebola this week. The paper you write will be directly related to the role you have in the group project.
Lesson 13: Term Paper
Lesson X
Readings:

Readings

  • Foreign Powers Steal Data on Critical U.S. Infrastructure, NSA Chief Says 
Assignments:
  • Complete the Term Paper
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Course Access

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

Graduation

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" on the World Campus Student Policies website.
 
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Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .

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University Policies

Accommodating Disabilities

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Additional Course Policies

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.


 
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Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.


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