GEOG40315: RISK, SCIENCE AND COMMUNICATION

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• The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the methods used in risk research, and training in the generic skills that risk research requires, including risk communication and public engagement. Its purpose is to provide generic skills on science, media and communication as well as specific methodological training. Thus, this module will provide a high-level overview of the natural, engineering and social science skills used in risk research as well as specific training in communication skills, including written and oral communications and public engagement in relation to risk.

• The module will focus on the following elements:
• Issues surrounding how we communicate risk, both to other risk practitioners and the wider consumers of risk research; and consideration of the role the media play in communicating and re(-)framing risk;
• Core methods used in risk research and communication. This will include planning and executing successful projects; key quantitative and qualitative research skills; and coproduction of knowledge;
• Communication skills and strategies, including communication theory and its relation to risk and risk perception, as well as generic writing, presentation and research-project planning skills.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will understand the issues surrounding how risk is communicated as well as its relationship to the practice of research.
• Students will understand the range of methods used to understand risk and their relationship to the core concepts introduced in the Understanding Risk module.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will understand the critical role played by problem framing in researching risk and the range of questions that result from different kinds of framings and methods.
• Students will be able to develop different strategies for researching and communicating risk, according to the issue being investigated and the level of associated uncertainty relating to the risk;.
• Students will be able to evaluate the merits and disadvantages of different forms of risk communication as a means of developing appropriate risk communication plans.

Key Skills:

• Written communication
• Oral presentation

• Contact hours comprise of sessions in two interrelated blocks:
• Block 1 focusses on how we communicate risk, both to other risk practitioners and the wider consumers of risk research; the role the media play in communicating and re(-)framing risk; risk perception; and understanding and communicating uncertainty. This will comprise lecture/seminars and workshops focusing upon rapid synthesis of a range of information sources, and oral presentation skills. This block will be examined by oral presentation in the form of a podcast.
• BLock 2 focusses on communication skills and strategies as well as generic writing, presentation and reserach-project planning skills. This will comprise lecture/seminars, workshops, and tutorials (focusing upon development of case study material, group work and oral presentation skills).
• This block will be examined by an essay (completed within a one-week window).
• Self-directed learning will be supported by reading lists, allowing students to build on the topics and skills highlighted during the lecture course. In addition, students will be expected to work individually and in groups to prepare for specific sessions during the course. The content and nature of these sessions will be clearly communicated to students.

Students will submit a topic and list of themes and theories (<1 page of A4) that they will discuss during their summative podcast assessment. Students will be provided with written feedback on these topics/themes. Oral formative feedback during tutorials in preparation for the essay.

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