UTW2001H: RISK and Popular Culture

Sem: AY19/20 Semester 1

Lecturer: Dr Anuradha Ramanujan

Overview: This was quite an interesting module. The first half of the module required us to learn about key risk theories drawn from sociology. What is risk? What is classified as a risk? How do societies respond to people or objects deemed to be risks? While the readings for the module can get technical at times, Dr Anu does a good job in explaining the readings and checking our understanding of the topics. Things got better when it came to analyzing specific case studies regarding the media’s perception of risk. We learnt about Fukushima, the SARS outbreak in Toronto and even the regulation of pregnant women's bodies. One of the more memorable lessons was when we discussed the media portrayal of virus outbreaks in news and movies, as well as the role of experts and governments in constructing risk during such situations. If only we knew what was to come just a few months later!

The second half of the module focuses on preparing us for the research proposal and research paper. We were allowed to write on any topic for our research paper, as long as we are able to link it to risk concepts taught in class. I chose to write about media portrayal of the Hong Kong protests which was then-ongoing as it seemed like the most relevant thing to write about at that time, coupled with the fact that there were many primary sources that I could easily draw upon. Dr Anu is a helpful and approachable prof who really knows her stuff, which made complex concepts a lot more understandable. She also gives detailed feedback and readily suggests improvements for your assignment drafts. Overall, I would recommend this module to anyone who’s looking to clear their IEM2 requirements, as you learn a lot of interesting content taught by a really good prof.

Assessment: (can’t remember the exact percentages sorry!!)

Participation: Being a seminar module, you’re expected to have done the readings before class. Dr Anu will ask questions pertaining to the readings to check on your understanding as some of the readings can be quite theoretical. Just answer the questions accordingly and you’ll be rewarded your participation marks.

Peer Review (for presentation and essay draft I think): Apparently previous batches didn’t take this seriously so this is now a gradable component

Annotated Bibliography (group work): We were the first batch to have this converted into a group assignment. Basically, in W2 or W3, Dr Anu will go around asking the class for your intended topic for your research paper (yes it’s that fast!) and will group y’all based on the topics you indicated. Your annotated bibliography requires your group to find sources for your research and explain how they are relevant to your topics. Groups with a broader range of topics might find this exercise more challenging as there needs to be some form of coherency between the sources.

Research Proposal (individual presentation): A 10 minute (??) presentation where you present an outline of your research paper to the rest of the class. You have to justify the need for research in this topic, outline your research methodology and state your preliminary conclusions. There will also be a Q&A session where Dr Anu and your classmates will get to ask you questions regarding your presentation. Do take this seriously as your presentation script, if done properly, can save you some work for your research paper. For me, I simply edited my script into to a more academic writing style – and this was how my script formed the basis for my eventual research paper.

Research Paper: A 1900-2200 word essay that builds on the past 2 assignments, especially the research proposal. At this point, your focus should be on refining your outline based on the feedback given during the presentation and gathering sources/conducting fieldwork to substantiate the claims you will make. There will also be one consult where Dr Anu will review and suggest improvements for your draft that you will submit before the consult. This can be a smooth-sailing or painful process, depending on how many changes you’re required to make before you submit the final version.