MSU Offering Course On Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse

“The question at the center of this course is, ‘How do humans behave in catastrophic times?’”
–from course catalogue

From Dateline Zero

We’d all like to imagine that we would handle a stressful or frightening event with the cool-headed decorum of James Bond, or Captain Picard, or possibly Simon Pegg’s character in Shawn of the Dead. (What was his name? Shawn-something, I suppose.)

But the truth is, we tend to fall apart in the face of new and unexpected catastrophe.

In the name of preparedness and understanding, MSU is offering a course on surviving the zombie apocalypse. Because one just doesn’t know what tomorrow might bring.

Actually, the zombie apocalypse is just a snappy title given to a class on “Catastrophes & Human Behavior.” While the classroom discussion will include hypothetical questions concerning a zombie uprising, the course will also look at how to deal with earthquakes, plagues, falling meteors and other doomsday scenarios.

From the course catalog:

The question at the center of this course is, “How do humans behave in catastrophic times?” Does their behavior change in the midst of trying to survive and the decisions they face? We will examine major catastrophic events from the past, look to potential future events, and consider a concept for increasing our chances of survival.

The way I imagine myself reacting to a horrific situation involves a great deal of self-confidence and some manly sweat soaking into my shirt — looking all hero-like. The reality, however, would involve me curled up in a fetal position, and my cloths soaked in my own piss.

I get that about myself. But a class like this would help me understand why, and possibly how to deal with that. Sounds interesting!