Strategic Planning for Societal Security - From Risk to Resilience
In the public and private sector, and society in general, there is increasing awareness of the hazards that society is exposed to, and how we can make society safe. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, cyber attacks, and pandemics are some of the challenges in this field that Norway has experienced in recent years. At the same time, the world is in the midst of a climate crisis that raises questions about the connections between local, national and international social security.
Upon completion of the course, the student will have knowledge of theory and analytical approaches to hazard and risk, vulnerability and resilience. The aim of the course is to provide the students with a theoretical basis for a master's thesis within the broad field of theory and analysis regarding the prevention of hazard, emergency preparedness and strategic societal security.
The course is structured in four modules:
- Hazard and risk
- Vulnerability and resilience
- Organization and management for preparedness and civil safety
- Complexity, technology, and societal security
Students must either be enrolled in Master in Social Analysis (part time), or apply for the course as a single course student/exchange student.
Single course students must meet the following entry requirements:
- Bachelor degree of 3 years' duration (180 ECTS).
- The applicant must have passed exams of at least 80 ECTS credits in social sciences. The grade requirement is C on a weighted average.
After completing the course, the student must have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
Overview of hazard geography in our part of the world and knowledge of theory and analytical approaches to:
- hazard and risk
- vulnerability and resilience
- management of civil protection
- complexity, technology, and public safety
Skills
The student will be able to apply terminology and theories in the field to:
- discuss how different analytical approaches provide different solutions to the challenges in the field of hazard and risk
- discuss organizational challenges in the work with social security reflect and seek solutions related to the complexity of the challenges facing society.
General competence
Competence to identify different schools of thought and analytical approaches to hazard, emergencies and crises, and with this starting point, ability to debate and propose solutions in the field of civil preparedness and strategic societal security.
Two compulsory seminar meetings (Levanger) with face-to-face teaching as well as group and plenary discussions. Online support for work with the subject matter and compulsory assignments for each module. Webinars between the seminar meetings for each module.
*The course is taught provided that a sufficient number of students register for it.
Compulsory attendance: Compulsory attendance in two sessions. Assessed as approved/not approved.
Required course work: 4 group works (reflection notes). 2000-2500 words each. Assessed as approved/not approved.
Home examination: Individual home examination over 8 days. Graded A-F.