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Semester | fall semester 2021 |
Course frequency | Irregular |
Lecturers | Rony Emmenegger (rony.emmenegger@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
Content | The publication of Ulrich Beck's (1986) book titled “Risk Society: On the Road to a Different Modernity” has since shaped the debate about risks in modern times. According to Beck (1986, 1992), modernity means individualization and dissolution of traditions, but also the creation of unprecedented risks that jeopardize human existence. The social science analysis of such a “risk society” therefore focuses on the distribution of risks, which characterize this society and are tackled as central challenges in this society. With his thesis of the “risk society”, Ulrich Beck also laid the foundation for a deeper examination of the complex relationship between social developments, technological innovation and environmental problems. Against this backdrop, this seminar provides an overview of different approaches to risk, discussed in relation to risk calculation and perception; risk maps and landscapes, risk communication and governance, risk technology and safety culture, risk ethics and sustainability. On this basis, this seminar lays an empirical and conceptual basis for a critical evaluation of nuclear risks and safety in modern societies and for a reflection about their sustainable futures. |
Learning objectives | Students are - familiar with different approaches to risk in in social science and environmental humanities; - able to conduct a conceptually-inspired risk analysis through an engagement with empirical examples; - able to reflect on the meaning of ‘sustainable development’ for an advancing “risk society”. |
Bibliography | Tba in class. |
Comments | Note: Special course inscription and entry requirements! Students with focus area in social sciences may accredit the course within the published module. All MSD-students can transfer the CP to the module "Focal Areas in Sustainability Research" (learning agreement). This seminar is offered by the MSD. Dr. Rony Emmenegger is a staff member of the Sustainability Research Group, Dep. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. |
Admission requirements | Special course application required for ALL (for details see 'course application' or 'Anmeldung'). Limited number of participants (20). Students of the MSD (incl. preparation semester or IJDSD) have a first priority; those of the mentioned fields of study (see list of modules) have a second priority. If you study something different you must do at least a master's degree within the Department of Social Sciences (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) and may attend the seminar in case of vacancies (= third priority). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS for NON-MSD-students: You must have passed sucessfully at least one of the two lectures during a former semester: - 11513-01: Sustainability: A new Societal Paradigm? - 41829: Social Science Perspectives on Sustainability. Students of the MSD who have chosen the focus area in natural sciences or in economics must have completed the 'Complementary Knowledge in Social Sciences' module (or at least earned 8 CP out 12 CP). |
Course application | Mandatory application for ALL! Link open from 19.08.21/noon-05.09.21/midnight: https://adam.unibas.ch/goto_adam_fold_744967.html Login and application possible from 19.08.21/noon on. Login button on top row right hand side of ADAM website. First emails with confirmation of participation will be sent out at the end of the first deadline. In case of vacancies the online application link remains open until 30.09.21/noon. Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). |
Language of instruction | English |
Use of digital media | No specific media used |
Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
---|---|---|---|
wöchentlich | Monday | 12.15-14.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Seminarraum S 02 |
Modules |
Module: Core Competences in Social Sciences (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) Module: Resources and Sustainability (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources) |
Assessment format | continuous assessment |
Assessment details | Regular attendance mandatory, required readings, oral presentation, essay. Details according to information of R. Emmenegger. |
Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
Offered by | Fachbereich Nachhaltigkeitsforschung |