3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course introduces students to theories that show how people express, perceive, exchange, and deliberate information about risk as well as how this understanding can be used to improve risk communication practice. This course examines risk communication theory and practice from multiple perspectives including social, psychological, cultural, and communicative.
Learning Outcomes1Describe how and why major approaches to risk communication have shifted over time.
2Explain cognitive and affective processes involved in individuals' risk perception in domains of science, health, and environmental issues.
3Analyze different communication models and theories applicable to risk communication.
4Discuss alternative interpersonal communicative public participation practices for deliberating risk information.
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