The contemporary social world is characterised by a proliferation of divisions, controversies and new types of uncertainty that did not exist in pre-industrial and industrial societies. From global finance, climate change and terrorism, to contemporary forms of intimate relationships, complex issues need to be negotiated with imperfect knowledge. Politicians, scientists, policy makers and the general public are all confronted with this situation, in a world in which increasing numbers of social actors, such as NGOs, lobbyists, and advocacy groups for business, consumers and new social movements, are claiming influence in public life. Using a range of methodologies and a multidisciplinary approach, the Risk and Society course explores Social Science perspectives on existing and emerging risks and uncertainties and the governance of these risks. The focus is on how risks are perceived, understood and responded to by diverse social actors. The course is composed of five modules: theories of risk, risk and globalisation, ‘risky’ groups, the politics of risk, and risk and the self.

1. Apply multiple contemporary social science perspectives on social change and risk.
2. Analyse the impact of existing and emerging risks on science, politics, the biography and social inequality
3. Differentiate between different constructions of risk at play in different settings and debates.
4. Evaluate alternative constructions of risk.
5. Evaluate policy responses to the regulation and control of risk.
6. Produce an argument and marshal evidence for it
7. Discuss key themes, concepts and theories with peers.

Item                          Weighting        Learning Outcome

Research essay (4000 words)           40%               1,2, 3, 4, 6

Case study (1500 words)                  50%               1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Seminar/workshop

participation                 10%               6, 7

Two hours contact per week on campus. Approximately 8 additional hours of reading and preparation.

None

A relevant undergraduate degree to a pass level and proficiency in English.

Mythen, G & Walklate, S (2006) Beyond the Risk Society

Teaching space with data projection and PC, DVD. Students require access to Wattle.