- 1 x 2hr examination (essay questions) [50%] (LO 1-3, 5)

- Coursework: report 1250 - 1500 word [50%] (LO 1-4, 6)

Additional Assessment Details:
This coursework element is an individual report dealing with: the role of media in risk communication (e.g. the reporting, representation and analysis of risks; informing and setting the public agenda; global, national and local coverage and discussion of environmental risks).

Formative Assessment:
The five workshop sessions on concepts and ideas will entail writing up a series of question and answer worksheets, which will contribute to a portfolio of formative interpretations and readings

THESE LEARNING STRATEGIES WILL OCCUPY YOUR TIME
The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) 10 weekly 1-hour lectures
(b) 5 fortnightly 1-hour workshop sessions, focusing on the examination of key concepts and ideas. They involve the analysis and interpretation of text and/or audio-visual materials
(c) 5 1-hour workshop sessions engaging in individual/group work collecting and processing information for an individual report on the media and technological hazards and risks -
(d) independent learning through (i) group work (ii) individual directed reading and assessment

University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & Email facilities.

None

Beder, S. (2006) Environmental Principles and Policy. Earthscan, London
Boholm, A and Lofstedt, R. Facility Siting: Risk Power and Identity in Land Use Planning . Earthscan, London
Cutter, Susan (2006) Hazards, Vulnerability and Environmental Justice. Earthscan, London
Harrison, R M (ed.) (2002) Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control Causes, Effects and Control. RSC, Cambridge
Hill, M.K. (2004) Understanding Environmental Pollution. A Primer. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M. (1996). Environmental Science - The Natural Environment and Human Impact. Longman, London.
Lofstedt, Ragnar E and Frewer, Lynn (1997) The Earthscan Reader in Risk and Modern Society. Earthscan, London.
Roberts J (2004) Environmental Policy. Routledge. London.
Slovic, P. (ed.) (2000) The Perception of Risk. Earthscan, London.
Farmer A (1997) Managing Environmental Pollution. Routledge

This module examines technological hazards; a geographical perspective analyses the interaction of technology, society and geographical spaces in the production of environmental risks, the human and ecological impacts of these hazardous phenomena, and how society develops and manages its responses. Technological hazards encompass a range of phenomena from high magnitude, low frequency phenomena (e.g. accidental and catastrophic releases of toxic chemical releases, radioactive releases, oil spills) to low magnitude, high frequency hazards created by production, consumption and disposal of products and services for the modern consumer society and its built environment (e.g. pollution related to industrial and synthetic chemicals and their impact on the quality of air, water, land and food resources), and debates over emerging technologies (e.g. GMOs and nanotechnologies). Concepts covered will include: Beck's `risk society thesis' and ecological modernisation, scientific risk assessment (toxicological and epidemiological risk assessment), public and expert perception of environmental risks; risk communication, with particular reference to the media's role in representation and analysis; geographical variations in social vulnerability to technological hazards and the implications for environmental justice; decision-making for public policies, regulation and risk management (e.g. adaptative strategies - precautionary and preventative approaches and techniques, planning).