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

Facts

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

None

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

Assignment

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Kenneth Arne Pettersen Gould

Course teacher:

Sanja Mrksic Kovacevic

Course teacher:

Lisbet Fjæran

Course teacher:

Sissel Haugdal Jore

Course teacher:

Bjørn Ivar Kruke

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method of work

A combination of 2 and 4 hours teaching per week. The course will combine the use of lectures, videos and group work reflecting basic curriculum and discussion of key issues related to this curriculum.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Risk, Society and Governance (RAG510_1) 10

Open for

Risk Analysis - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto