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, and then apply these to analyse a series of case studies. 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:
- Apply sociological perspectives and conceptions to explain the nature, function and significance of risk.
- Analyse the impact of existing and emerging risks on the organisation and experience of social life and relations.
- Evaluate institutional responses to the generation, regulation and management of risks.
- Produce independent, sociologically informed research on particular facets of the risk society.
- Reflect on and discuss their learning in relation to the content of the course.
Other Information
Expected Classes 2020, refer to the Timetabling and Wattle site for confirmation:
Monday 6 July, 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 8 July, 9am - 4pm
Friday 10 July, 9am - 4pm
Monday 20 July, 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 22 July, 9am - 4pm
Friday 24 July, 9am - 4pm
Indicative Assessment
- Research Essay, 2000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research Project, 2500 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Seminar Participation, continuous (10) [LO 1,2,3,5]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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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.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Tulloch, J. and Lupton, D. 2003. Risk and Everyday Life, London: Sage.Assumed Knowledge
This course assumes a basic understanding of sociological perspectives and approaches.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3120 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4800 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6456 | 06 Jul 2020 | 09 Jul 2020 | 24 Jul 2020 | 31 Jul 2020 | In Person | View |