Risk has become one of the defining features of modern society. Almost daily, we are preoccupied with assessing, discussing, or preventing a wide variety of risks. It is a cornerstone notion for businesses and organizations, but also for nation states and their many levels of government. And even for individuals, risk and the avoidance or embracing thereof, is a key theme.
Risk in Modern Society
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(212 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 10 hours
Learn at your own pace
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Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
In this module, you can find all the information you need in order to be able to successfully complete the course. After you have familiarised yourself with the course, we will move to the content of the first module. In the first week, we will discuss how the concept of risk has played an increasingly important role in shaping our modern society. Tracing the historical origins of this concept, we will look at how our modern conception of risk has emerged, and how it is currently being studied within the academic world.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will take a closer look at risk management, one of the most dominant approaches to dealing with risk in modern society. You will then be presented with two specific risks which illustrate how this approach is used in practice: the risk of natural hazards, and risks in the chemical industry. In the last video of this week, we will discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of the risk management approach.
What's included
6 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will take a closer look at risk perception and the factors that influence how we experience risk in modern society. You will learn that while experts often rely on various statistical and mathematical models to asses various types of risks, the general public tends to make more intuitive judgments about the severity and likelihood of risk. You will then be presented with two specific security risks, which often invoke a great perception of danger.
What's included
6 videos5 readings1 peer review3 discussion prompts
In this module, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of modern-day risks by looking at three key contemporary global challenges involving risk. Throughout the week, each of these risks will be discussed by various experts, who will highlight the most important features and strategies to deal with them. You will learn how, both collectively and individually, each these challenges have the ability to significantly impact the globe, presenting a notable challenge for current and future generations.
What's included
8 videos4 readings1 assignment
In this final module, you will be presented with a recap of all the knowledge from the previous weeks. In addition, it contains the final multiple choice quiz of the course. Good luck!
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.9 (46 ratings)
Recommended if you're interested in Governance and Society
University at Buffalo
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Learner reviews
4.7
212 reviews
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Showing 3 of 212
GB
5
Reviewed on Dec 10, 2019
A great overview of Risk in modern society, well explained and informative!
MR
5
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2019
Great introductory course - well presented, short and full of information. Thanks
KF
5
Reviewed on Oct 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this course. Very informative. I also like the fact that you actually have to put work into it in order to pass.
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