Risk perception and communication

The course deals with people's perceptions of and reactions to different types of risks and the effects of different forms of influence. The course is divided into two modules. The first module contains the following: - basic theories of risk perception - factors affecting the perception and assessment of different types of risks - different approaches to risks between groups and individuals, for instance, in regard to gender and experience - factors affecting people's behaviour when faced with risks and risk situations. Students carry out an individual written assignment in the first module. The purpose of the assignment is that students develop their ability to identify and assess relevant theories in the field of risk perception and apply these as an explanatory model for given situations in daily life. The second module deals with risk communication from a receiver's perspective. Students are assigned the task of drawing up a plan for a risk communication approach in groups and present their plan in a seminar at the concluding seminar. The plan must include consideration of ethical issues linked to to risk communication. The course is offered as web-based distance education with two brief periods on campus (Karlstad University) at the beginning and end of the course. On-campus instruction is in the form of lectures, group work, and seminars. The seminar scheduled for the second campus meeting is mandatory. We recommend that students attend the first on-campus seminar as well, but for students who are not present it is also possible to complete an individual make-up assignment to be submitted online later. In-between campus meetings, students study course literature with the support of lectures and other material via the communication platform.