Module description
The module starts by examining contemporary social theoretical explanations of the salience of risk within so-called 'late modern' society. The module then explores the factors that shape the politics, processes and outcomes of risk governance, as well as the factors that shape public perceptions of environmental risk and the associated problems posed for policy-makers, businesses and other stakeholders in communicating risk issues. The module finishes with reflections on the future management of environmental risk issues.
Assessment details
Group Work Portfolio (20%); 2000 Word Coursework (80%)
Educational aims & objectives
The educational aims of this module are to;
(1) improve understanding of the concepts and social theories of risk;
(2) develop knowledge of the processes and politics of environmental risk assessment, perception, communication and governance;
(3) develop your team-working skills and ability to apply your academic knowledge to real world cases
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the module, students should have:
A broad understanding of the concept of risk and of the different ways in which it figures in social theories;
Appreciate the implications of those theories for explaining the processes and politics of environmental risk assessment, perception, communication and governance;
Be able to collaborate effectively in the application of their understanding and knowledge to the analysis of contemporary debates about environmental risk policy.
Teaching pattern
10 lectures, 10 seminars
The module has been designed to promote, indeed require, your active participation, which we will assess in several ways to encourage you to engage more actively in the learning process. Pre-recorded lectures and reading will set the stage for students to work in small groups completing weekly projects that will provide the basis for weekly seminar discussions and subsequent individual diary reflections on the following topics [note individual sessions are subject to change]:
1: Introduction: what is risk and why is it important for environment, governance and society
2: Risk assessment: how science turns fateful hazards into calculable uncertainties for risky decisions
3: Risk perceptions, why they vary and why this matters
4: Risk management: trust in the science?
5: Risk communication and behaviour change
6: How we regulate—risk regulation regimes and their instruments
7: Public and sectoral politics of governing risk
8: Risk, trade and international relations
9: Risk-based regulation
10: Risk and social theory