Current active subject description (last updated 2023/24)
"In Pandemonium" – Communication of Risk and Crisis
JOU5004
Current active subject description (last updated 2023/24)

"In Pandemonium" – Communication of Risk and Crisis

JOU5004
Handling a crisis related to terrorism or major accidents requires complex skills that must be built up through practice and critical reflection. The purpose of the course is that students will gain insight into crisis journalism and communication, into various threats to societal security and how risk assessments are carried out. In a crisis situation, journalists and communicators may find themselves in roles that turn them into "adversaries", which can be prevented by acquiring an in-depth mutual understanding of each other's societal missions. The course will use real cases, simulations and exercises as part of the teaching.

The course deals with theoretical and practical challenges of communication in connection with risk analysis and crisis management, as well as a broad introduction to possible threats facing society. Journalists' and communicators' responsibility for the public's understanding of risk is central. Central theories within media understanding, how the media and the media landscape work, and how media can be used and abused in strategic communication are discussed here.

The course emphasizes giving a thorough introduction to the relationship between how different threats to societal security and stability are perceived, and how these are communicated to different target groups and in different contexts. The course contains a practical exercise, built up around the emergency preparedness exercise Øvelse Nord.

Must be admitted to the master's programme in journalism and communication work


Must be admitted to the master's programme in journalism and communication work

Knowledge

Students...

  • have advanced knowledge of the course topics of social security and risk understanding.
  • have advanced knowledge of the role of media and communication plays for public safety and risk understanding.
  • have solid knowledge of factors that influence risk assessment and crisis management, how different emergency preparedness systems are organized and interact.
  • have solid knowledge of legislative and ethical frameworks for both journalists' and communicators' work in crisis situations.

Skills

Students...

  • can quickly get an overview of knowledge and information needs
  • can analyze and relate critically to different sources of information and see through attempts at disinformation
  • master specific tasks related to gathering and sharing information in a crisis situation to different target groups in a truthful and ethically responsible manner.

General competence

Students...

  • are able to communicate extensive independent work, to understand complex risk assessments containing different disciplines' forms of expression and are able to bridge the gap between these.
  • are able to discuss the academic topics of the course in relation to topical issues and cases, both with specialists and to the general public, both orally and in writing.
  • master technical study tools required for online learning.
Beyond the expenses for the semester fee and reading list literature, the student covers expenses for travel and accommodation in connection with gatherings and exercise production. The student must also have the following equipment available: Portable computer (Win/Mac), smart phone and still camera with video capabilities (preferably with a separate microphone input). Acquiring Adobe CC software package is also recommended.
Mandatory
Learning activities consist of lectures, seminars/webinars and group assignments. Participation at the preparendess exercice Øvelse Nord and related seminars is mandatory, as this is essential for the learning outcome.
The programme of study is evaluated annually by the students through course surveys (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). The evaluations are part of the university's quality assurance system.

Composite assessment (SV). Rating expression: A-F. (First time spring 2023.)

  • Participation in Øvelse Nord (or equivalent) with associated seminars. Rating expression: Pass/No pass. Counts 0/100 of the final grade in the course. To be completed before final examination/assessment.
  • Two compulsory group assignments comparable to reflection notes of 2000-2500 words each. Rating expression: Pass/No pass. Counts 0/100 of the final grade in the course. Assignments may serve as basis material for the final exam. Assignments must be completed and approved before final examination/assessment.
  • Exam, oral group presentation of 30 min, then 30 min questioning from examiner. Rating expression: A-F. Counts 100/100 of the final grade.
Must also be able to read specialist literature in English.
Curriculum literature
Leganto
Subject language
Norwegian
Credits
10
Bodø
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Course coordinator
Employee photo: Astrid Marie Holand
Associate Professor

Astrid Marie Holand

astrid.m.holand@nord.no