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.
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Risk in Modern Society
![Marieke Liem](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/9a/73f0d0f47511e7adcb9ded1b7806e3/Marieke-Liem1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
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Instructors: Marieke Liem
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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
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Learner reviews
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Reviewed on Sep 25, 2022
This course provides a good introduction to risks and the principles of risk management.
Reviewed on May 16, 2018
Very good and relavent course. Thanks to the instructors and the university and Coursera for putting this course. I am sure this course will be updated every time the new risks show on horizon.
Reviewed on Apr 12, 2022
The course is highly recommended. The topics discussed are well presented and clear. Kudos to all the professors!
Recommended if you're interested in Social Sciences
University of Colorado Boulder
The State University of New York
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