Risk in modern world: local, regional and global perspectives

Poznan

7 ECTS points

The course introduces current discussions on risk and the importance of risks in modern social life. The issues of vulnerability, uncertainty, and basic concepts of risk are discussed. The theoretical concepts are accompanied by case studies in war and terrorism, health, technology, food safety, climate change, crime, insurance. The topics are presented in local, regional and global perspectives. The course aims at exercise in application of variety of risk related concepts to the stylized cases.

Students are expected to participate in classes, give a presentation and pass a written (or – oral) exam. Final mark is a combination of the three components. The form of the exam (written or oral) depends on a student declaration. The topics of the exam will be from the themes covered by the classes and by the reader. The exam is intended to assess ones’ knowledge on the basic concepts and ideas on risk (within the scope of the classes and the reader).

Students are expected to prepare a power point presentation on the chosen topic related to risk. Students can do it individually or in a group (up to 3 people). The time of presentation depends on how many students are in each group: 1 person has 15-20 minutes, 2 people have 35 minutes, 3 people have 50 minutes.

The structure of a presentation has a specific scheme that needs to be followed:

1) introduction of a problem and its importance
2) data, sources of information
3) argumentation, discussion
4) conclusions, recommendations.

Students are not expected to do the field research. However, if there is a possibility to do - it is highly advised.

Topics for a presentation can be proposed by student(s) or – can be offered by the lecturer. In any case the title is to be approved by the lecturer. The titles are to be proposed by the end of November (via email). Presentations sessions start in the middle of December. The sequence of presentations will be based on voluntary declarations and/or appointed by the lecturer.

The presentations will be assessed according to the following criteria:

a) whether the title was proposed in time
b) whether the presentation is given on an appointed date
c) whether the timing of a presentation is kept
d) whether the structure a presentation is followed
e) according to the quality of the content and the presentation.

Some the regulations can be adjusted due to special circumstances. However, it requires consultation in advanced and need to be agreed. A mark of a presentation will be the same for all members of a group (in case of groups).

Syllabus:
Week 1 - Introduction to risk
Week 2 - Natural disasters
Week 3 - Global risks
Week 4 - Risk as a construct
Week 5 - Perception of risk
Week 6 - Risk compensation theory
Week 7 - Insurance
Week 8 - Risk, modernity and reflexivity
Week 9 - What do we eat? Risk and food
Week 10 to 14 - Students' presentations
Week 15 - Summary of the course

Bi-annual

English

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Dr. Piotr Matczak
Faculty of Social Sciences
Institute of Sociology
Szamarzewskiego 89c
Poznan, Poland
[email protected]