Risk Management, Communication and Policy (RIS630)
The course addresses the challenges and opportunities of developing effective risk analysis in the 24/7 media environment. It covers the critical aspects of risk perception and communication. The course also covers crucial implications for policy making and delivery. The course is based on assimilating the basic principles of risk perception and communication and applying those principles to real-life situations including policy formulation.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
RIS630
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
The course explores, at an advanced level, the sub-field of risk analysis covering risk management, perception, risk communication, and policy. The focus is on risk perception drivers, including low perceived risk v. high perceived risk; the determinants of trust and their implications for risk communication and policy, including high trust v. low trust situations; the role of the conventional and social media, including risk amplification and attenuation; communicating uncertainty; policy and communication in a transparent environment
The curriculum is structured in three sections, with the first section focusing on the evolution of the risk communication field, starting from risk perception. The second section examines key theoretical milestones in more depth, i.e. the narrative approach, trust, and the mental models. The third section covers risk policy as well as its relationship to risk communication.
The seminars typically involve presentations of key literature by students (in small groups), a short lecture that tackles crucial concepts (some pre-recorded) followed by a group discussion to address possible knowledge gaps. Students will routinely conduct analyses of defined problems and present their reports to other students.
Topics cover basic concepts, risk perception, risk communication as well as analysing risk policy.
Learning outcome
After completing the course students will be able to
Knowledge
- Understand the dynamics of risk perception and communication.
- Understand how a range of risks from various sectors (e.g. energy, food, pharmaceuticals) can be effectively managed and how science-informed policy can be successfully developed
Skills
- Have the ability to specialize in risk perception/ communication as one of the main branches of the risk analysis field.
- Have the ability to independently process scientific literature about the relationship between risk management and risk perception /communication. Emphasis will be put on developing scientifically-informed judgement, as well as the ability to present viable options for policy that will be discussed among peers.
General Competence
- Students will acquire general competence in writing an academic paper
- Students will develop their research ability
- Student will strengthen their presentation abilities
- The course will foster group work abilities
Required prerequisite knowledge
RIS500 Risk analysis and risk management
RAG500 Foundations of risk analysis and risk science
RIS505 Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester assignment | 1/1 | 15 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
The students should work individually to write a 4000 words research paper (double spacing). The students shall within defined deadlines submit to the teacher an outline, first draft and second draft of their paper and be prepared to exchange with fellow students about their paper. Besides seminars and student presentations, some lectures will be given throughout the semester. Other lectures will be pre-recorded. The research requirements will be introduced during the first lecture. The students shall select their topic within 5 weeks and submit their final research paper within 15 weeks.Resit-exam opportunities are not offered on the research paper. Students who do not pass the project assignment can take this part again the next time the subject has regular teaching.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Frederic Emmanuel BouderHead of Department:
Tore MarkesetMethod of work
Lectures and individual work and group work (on specific real-life problems inspired by problem-based learning techniques). Student-active methodology and close dialogue between students and teacher are key elements in the pedagogical work form.
Students will also form reading groups and present readings in a collegial fashion.