Theories of Risk Perception and Risk Governance (RIS515)
This course introduces students to concepts and theories of risk perception and risk governance. The course focuses on different approaches to risk perception and explains psychological, social and cultural factors that shape the experience of and responses to risk. The course also focuses on approaches to risk management and understanding challenges and solutions related to how risks are regulated and handled by various actors in society.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
RIS515
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
This course introduces students to concepts and theories of risk perception and risk governance. The course focuses on different approaches to risk perception and explains psychological, social and cultural factors that shape the experience of and responses to risk. The course also focuses on approaches to risk management and understanding challenges and solutions related to how risks are regulated and handled by various actors in society.
In the course the role of risk perception and broader management issues in society are connected to principles of good risk governance and students are introduced to what the different principles include and how they can be integrated. Central issues addressed include scientific expertise, inclusion of stakeholders and public concerns, principles for risk evaluation, instruments for management and regulation, as well as procedures for effective risk communication.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
After completing the course, student will have basic knowledge about risk perception and risk governance. Students will have knowledge about psychological factors and cultural and social processes through which risks are constructed and formed. Students will also have knowledge about structures and processes for good risk governance.
Skills:
After completing the course students should have understanding of and experience in applying risk perception and risk governance theories to various risk problems in society.
The students will also develop their skills in research design, analytic thinking and problem solving.
Experience from group work and working together across different backgrounds and experiences
General competence:
After the course, the students will be able to apply the theories and concepts in ways that support risk (safety, security) knowledge and tackling of risk problems, including also systemic risks related to among other globalization, climate change and digital transformation.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Written exam and Project assignment
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 3/5 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | None permitted |
| Project assignment | 2/5 | 11 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
Written exam is digital.Project assignment is in groups.The course has a continuous assessment. All parts must be passed in order to obtain a final grade in the course.There is no resit possibility for the project assignment. Students that wish to improve their result on this part, may do so the next time the course is lectured.For the exam there is a re-sit possibility which follows the faculty's regular cycle.
Coursework requirements
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Kenneth Arne Pettersen GouldCourse teacher:
Sanja Mrksic KovacevicCourse teacher:
Lisbet FjæranCourse teacher:
Sissel Haugdal JoreCourse teacher:
Frederic Emmanuel BouderCourse teacher:
Ole Andreas Hegland EngenCourse teacher:
Kenneth Arne Pettersen GouldCourse teacher:
Bjørn Ivar KrukeHead of Department:
Tore MarkesetMethod of work
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Risk, Society and Governance (RAG510_1) | 10 |