Prerequisites:

First-cycle Bologna degree or a university degree in the natural sciences

Content (Syllabus outline):

Natural disasters are presented as an example of the interaction of natural and social elements of the landscape. The social aspects of natural disasters are especially ¬exposed, as we perceive natural processes as “disasters” depending on our diverse perception of these processes and our preparedness. The subject thus connects the natural sciences of the Earth and natural disaster management in a modern society through the elements of the environment, such as risk management, effects of land degradation, and environmental history. Various management methods are presented, including hazard and risk analysis, socio-geographical aspects of natural disasters such as resilience and social capabilities, and re-analysis of events, especially with geographic information systems, for better competences to deal with these phenomena in the future.

Readings:

• Kuhlicke, C., Komac, B., Zorn, M. et al. 2011: Perspectives on social capacity building for natural hazards: outlining an emerging field of research and practice in Europe. Environment science & policy 14- 7.
• Walker, G., Whittle, R., Medd, W., Watson, N. 2010: Risk governance and natural hazards. http://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/49475/1/WP2_final.pdf
• Renn, O. 2008: Risk governance – coping with uncertainty in a complex world. London.
• Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T., Davis, I. 1994: At risk – natural hazards, people’s vulnerability and disasters. Routledge.
• Zorn, M., Komac, B. 2015: Naravne nesreče kot razvojni izziv. Globalni izzivi in regionalni razvoj. Ljubljana.

Objectives and competences:

Students get acquainted with the basic features of natural disasters. They get acquainted with the systematics of influencing factors from the point of view of geography, which connects the natural and social sciences. They get acquainted with modern methods of landscape analysis, endangerment due to natural disasters. They learn about modern methods of disaster management, including political, economic and environmental aspects. Listeners are able to design a threat analysis and implement it on a selected case.

Intended learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of natural hazards, in particular on their causes and effects on society
• Knowledge of the basic methods of studying natural hazards
• Risk Analysis by geographic information systems

Assessment:

Seminar (40 %), oral exam (60 %).