Module Identifier | GG36420 | |||||||||||||||||
Module Title | THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISK | |||||||||||||||||
Academic Year | 2005/2006 | |||||||||||||||||
Co-ordinator | Dr Deborah P Dixon | |||||||||||||||||
Semester | Semester 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Course delivery | Lecture | 10 x 2 hour lectures | ||||||||||||||||
Assessment |
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1. Identify, refer to, and critically evaluate a range of interdisciplinary literature on the social construction of risk
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the key research questions and methods utilized by Geographers in regard to risk
3. Develop their own case studies illustrating key theoretical concepts used in class
4. Further develop their critical thought, writing and presentation skills
Section One: Theoretical Overview - The Emergence of Social Constructivism
Week 2. Kuhn's history of science; sociology of scientific knowledge; constructivist accounts of science and society; and the defense of science.
Week 3. Alternative theories: Marxist critique of science; Feminist critique of science; current debates.
Week 4. Understanding retoric, ideology and discourse.
Section Two: What is a Hazard, What is a Risk?
Week 5. The hazards and risk sub-field: neoclassical school; Chicago resource school; and vulnerability and dependence.
Week 6. Social constructivism and the idea of risk.
Section Three: Case Studies
Week 7. The construction of 'natural' hazards: nature as sublime aesthetic; nature as external force; and 'third nature.'
Week 8. The construction of 'human' hazards: neomalthusianism; Faustian bargains; and the emergence of 'postmodern' biotechnologies.
Week 9. 'Hybrids' and their associated risks: simulations, cyborgs and postmodern ethics.
Week 10. Medical geography: mesmerism; germ theory; body as a machine; and the Genome project.
Research skills | *Understand a range of research methods *Plan and carry out research *Produce academically appropriate reports *Evaluate research methods, design and procedures | ||
Communication | *Read in different contexts and for different purposes *Discuss key concepts and ideas in class *Listen effectively | ||
Improving own Learning and Performance | *Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs, and barriers to learning *Devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies *Review and monitor progress, to improve overall performance | ||
Team work | *Understand the concept of group dynamics *Contribute to the setting of group goals *Contribute effectively to the planning of group activities *Play an active part in group activities *Exercise negotiation and persuasion skills | ||
Information Technology | *Practical textual analysis on the web *Use email/internet appropriately and effectively |
This module is at CQFW Level 6