Risk Society (BYS100)
The course provides an introduction to key concepts and theories within the fields of societal safety, and risk management, especially related to green transition and sustainability. The course focuses on how psychological, social, institutional and cultural factors influence perceived risk and responses both at an individual and a societal level. Emphasis is placed on understanding societal safety and risk management challenges related to risks climate change, urbanization, digitalization, , pandemics, terrorism
Course description for study year 2023-2024
Course code
BYS100
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
Central concepts:
Risk, societal safety, uncertainty, risk perception, social risk amplification / attenuation, riskanalysis, trust, vulnerability, the risk society, risk communication, risk management, security, safety, tipping points, UN sustainability goals, transformation, globalization, digitalization
Some topics that will be covered:
• 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
• 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
• Different types of risks and implications for the work with risk analysis and management
Learning outcome
After completing the course, students are expected to know and understand:
Key concepts and theories and in societal safety and risk management
How globalization, urbanization, technological and socio-cultural changes affect risk and safety in society and our
understanding of hazards and threats
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
Account for the ways in which psychological, social, institutional and cultural factors influence perceived risk and
responses
Explain different ways of understanding and analyzing risk
Be able to discuss key challenges in working with systemic risks
Have knowledge about international climate agreements and regulations as well as discuss dilemmas and challenges related to green transition and sustainability
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 5 Hours | Letter grades |