Course description

A central feature of postindustrial modernization is the proliferation of low probability – high consequence technological and environmental risks and crises emerging from corporate industrial activities. Living in a risk society, hazards are not just limited to health and environment, but also include fundamental sociopolitical values of liberty, equality, justice,
rights and democracy that are at risk as well. In this context, risk society often produces loss of faith in experts and science to predict and protect people from hazards, expressed as anxiety and insecurity and at the same time high expectations. Risk and crisis communication, emerging as an effect of risk society, enters our lives in a multitude of forms, often part
of the imagery and strategy of advertising. The course presents the full array of major risks facing humanity universally, seen mainly from the communications perspective. Specifically, we study advertising strategies and portrayals that cover most of major risks nowadays, aiming to gain an in-depth understanding of state and corporate advertising as a key element of risk and crisis communication.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the concepts, theories, models, and strategies relevant to risk and crisis communication.
2. Evaluate the significance and still the complexity and challenges involved in managing risks and crises in a global environment.
3. Review and assess the advertising strategy, appeals and portrayals regarding risk communication case studies and discuss when and how media campaigns can be effective pre, during and post crisis

Workload

 Assessment