Risk Society (BYS100)

Content

Some topics that will be covered in the course:

• Contexts that form the basis for statements such as that the "risk society" has replaced the "industrial society".
• How the effects of modern risks and threats can cross borders between states, geographical areas, and cultures to a greater extent than before, and the consequences of these.
• The difference between experts' and lay people's assessment of different types of risks
• The relation between System 1 og system 2-thinking, risk perception and response
• What factors affect how individuals perceive risk and how different actors' communication affects our perception of and responses to risk
• The importance of trust in societal safety and risk management
• Dilemmas, challenges and different approaches to socital safety, green transition and sustainability
• The relation between risk communication, perception, ans social risk attenuation and amplification

Learning outcome

After completing the course, students are expected to have knowledge about:

• Key concepts and theories in societal safety and risk management, in the work realted green transition and sustainability
• How globalization, urbanization, technological and socio-cultural changes affect risks in society
• Psychological factors, and cultural and social processes and their influence on risk construction and development
• Relevant challenges to societal safety and different types of risks
• How globalization, urbanization, technological, and socio-cultural changes create and influence risk in society.
• How risk is influenced, shaped and reshaped in a dynamic interplay between science, government, institutions, media and lay people
• How experts and lay people understand and assess different types of risk
• Individual and societal responses to risks and environmental challenges, as well as the relationship between sustainability, responsibility, and ethics

Skills in:

• Understanding and application of key concepts and theories within societal safety and risk research to various societal risk problems.
• Explain and discuss the ways in which psychological, social, institutional, and cultural factors influence perceived risk and responses.
• Be able to identify and discuss key challenges, dilemmas, and complexities in risk management, societal safety, green transition, and sustainability realted work.

General competence about:

Upon completing the course, students should understand and be able to apply the course's concepts, terms, and theories to discuss characteristics and challenges related to hazards and threats, as well as critically reflect on various approaches and dilemmas in the work of societal safety, risk management, and sustainable development.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Head of Department:

Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature