Course Description
Introduction to the field of risk communication, a topic that has been receiving increased attention because of terrorism threats. Theories and research about risk communicaiton come primarily form five domains: environmental disasters, personal risk-taking behaviors, industrial hygiene, terrorism, and crises of corporate reputation. Students will examine the theories, research, and practical applications of risk communication in each of those domains.
Athena Title
RISK COMMUNICATION
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: 1. Articulate the five domains of knowledge that have created the field of risk communication. 2. Understand the key theories and research results from each of those domains. 3. Advise those dealing with a risk situation of effective principles for communication. 4. Critique the way risk communicaiton has been handled in key crises. 5. Design an original study to contribute to the field of risk communicaiton.
Topical Outline
1. Overview of risk communicaiton. 2. Theoretical perspectives on risk communication. 3. Research on development and evaluation of risk messages. 4. Research on personal risk behaviors. 5. Research on emerging infectious disease. 6. Research on terrorism. 7. Research on public relations and crisis communication.
Syllabus