136-504 Risk, Environment and Modernity

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours, or a postgraduate coursework program.

This subject will critically examine recent sociological approaches to risk in relation to science, technology, the environment, human health and modernity. Sociological approaches to risk will be discussed in relation to case studies in which the assessment and management of risk is central. Case studies will be based on specific environmental disputes, public health issues or new technological developments, and will explore the perception of risk held by different stakeholders, the role of scientific and technical expertise in risk assessment and the public understanding of science, technology and risk. Students who complete the subject should have a critical appreciation of current social theories of risk in modern society and the debates these have generated within social theory and science and technology studies.

Written work totalling 5000 words.

A subject reader will be available.