ESST Specialization at Linköping University

Social Perspectives on Technological Risk - Technology, Environment and Risk

The three specializations offered* by Linköping University during the Spring 2009 term are:

Social Perspectives on Technological Risk - Technology, Environment and Risk
Technopolitics - The Politics of Innovation, Media, Infrastructures and Climate change
Science, technology and gender: Medical Technologies of Sex and Gender

In addition, Linköping is offering two separate courses during the spring term called 'Thesis design' and 'Methods for the thesis' which will cover the basics of thesis writing (including formation of a thesis outline) and research methodology, respectively. These courses will run parallel to the specialization courses. They will be required for Linköping students and open (and recommended) to other ESST students studying in Linköping.

*Linköping reserves the right to withdraw a course offering if there are less than 5 students registered.

General desription

This course will present theories of risk and especially theories that emphasize environmental aspects. Special attention will be paid to theories about ecological modernization, reflexive modernization and risk society. Empirical cases that illuminate environmental issues as a challenge for modernity will be scrutinized. Examples will range from efforts to promote full cells to radioactive waste management. Upon completion, students should be able to show understanding of the relation between technological development and environmental risks and concern. They should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural aspects of environmental problems, and specifically write about environmental issues in relation to technology. They should also be familiar with theories concern technology, environmental and risks.

Core literature (subject to change)

Beck, Ulrich (1992) Risk Society. Towards a new modernity, Sage, London
Cohen, A. V. (1996) "Quantitative risk assessment and decision about risk" in Hood, Christopher & Jones, David K. C. Accident and design - contemporary debates in risk management
Hajer, Maarten (1995) The Politics of Environmental Discourse. Ecological Modernization and the Policy Process, Oxford University press, New York
Jasanoff, S, (1993) "Bridging the Two Cultures of Risk Analysis", in Risk Analysis, Vol. 13, No 2
Late Lessons from early warnings: the precantionary principle 1896-2000, (2001) (ed) Poul Herremoës et al, European Environmental Agency. Copenhagen
Lupton, D (2000) Risk, Sage Publications, chapters 4 & 5
Myhr, Anne Ingeborg & Traavik, Terje (2003) "Genetically modified (GM) crops:Precautionary science and conflict of interests" in Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, No. 16
Perrow, Charles (1999) Normal Accidents: Living with High-Risk Technologies
Rayner, S (1986) "Management of Radiation Hazards in Hospitals: Plural Rationalities in a Single Institution", Social Studies of Science, Vol 16, 573-91
Risk, Environment and Modernity. Towards a new Ecology (1996) (ed), Scott Lash et al, Sage, London
Sundqvist, Göran (2002) The Bedrock of Opinion Technology and society in the siting of High-Level Nuclear Waste, Klu mer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht
Tierney, Kathleen J (1999) "Toward a Critical Sociology of Risk" in Sociological Forum, Vol. 14, No. 2
Vogel, D (2001) "The New Politics of Risk Regulation in Europe", unpublished paper: can be found on www.lse.ac.uk/collections/CARR/pdf/Disspaper3.p

Language of instruction

English

Number of students

5-15

Example of thesis topics

Application of the Precautionary Principle to Renewable Energy

Recommended courses to take

Students should take the courses 'Thesis design' and 'Methods for the thesis' offered by the department during the spring term.

Staff members who may act as thesis tutor for the specialization

Jonas Anselm
Martin Hultman
Boel Berner

Exchange office information

www.liu.se/education/exchange/exchange

Coordinator

Jonas Anselm, jonan@tema.liu.se

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