As societies develop in complexity, so attention has turned to the problem of managing the ensuing conditions of risk and uncertainty. From global finance, climate change and terrorism to intimate relationships, personal health and management of the self, institutions and individuals are increasingly expected to perform 'risk work'. This course will examine how they perceive, define and mitigate risks, especially via the use of technologies and specific knowledge frameworks. It will also explore those who make and take risks. We will consider the most influential theories of risk, before analysing a series of case studies. These include: risk and globalisation, risk and the environment, risk and crime, risk and governance, risk and data, risk and the self (including health and risky forms of consumption), 'risky' groups, and risk politics. Overall, the course provides a sociological introduction to risk studies and it encompasses a detailed overview of an issue that impacts significantly on the experience and governance of everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:1. Apply sociological perspectives and conceptions to explain the nature and function of risk.
2. Analyse the impact of existing and emerging risks on the organisation and experience of the social world.
3. Differentiate and critically compare the contrasting constructions of risk at play in different settings and debates.
4. Evaluate policy responses to the regulation and control of risks.
5. Reflect on and discuss their learning in relation to the content of the course.
Indicative Assessment
Pre´cis and Analysis Exercise, 750 words (15%) Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 3Research Essay, 2000 words (30%) Learning Outcomes 1-4
Synthesis Examination, 3 hours plus 15 minutes reading time (40%) Learning Outcomes 1-5
Seminar Participation (15%) Learning Outcomes 1-5
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of workshops, and 11 hours of student-led seminars; and
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Tulloch, J. and Lupton, D. 2003. Risk and Everyday Life, London: Sage.Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $2820 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $4320 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6886 | 02 Jul 2018 | 06 Jul 2018 | 06 Jul 2018 | 23 Jul 2018 | In Person | N/A |