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2025-2026 / RISQ2014-1

Introduction to risks and catastrophes in the Anthropocene era

Part 1: A systematic approach

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Duration

Part 1: A systematic approach : 24h Th
Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts : 12h Th

Number of credits

 Advanced Master in Risk and Disaster Management in the Anthropocene Era3 crédits 

Lecturer

Part 1: A systematic approach : Nicolas Dendoncker, Pierre Ozer
Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts : Pierre Ozer

Coordinator

Pierre Ozer

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Part 1: A systematic approach

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the entire specialized training in risk and disaster management in the era of the Anthropocene. It combines theoretical foundations, case studies, guest lectures, and experiential insights.

The course aims to equip students with the ability to conduct systemic and critical analyses of the interactions between environmental, social, and economic factors within contexts of inequality, in order to prepare them to design adaptation and resilience strategies tailored to specific territories and affected populations.

Drawing on an interdisciplinary and multi-scalar approach, the course offers a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms through which environmental transformations-such as pollution, climate change, and ecosystem degradation-disproportionately affect populations depending on their social status, place of residence, and level of vulnerability.

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Introductory course to all specialized training in risk and disaster management in the era of the Anthropocene.

Review of key concepts: risk, disaster, hazard, vulnerability, multiple crises, complex emergencies, risk governance, adaptation, resilience, mitigation, and related topics.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Part 1: A systematic approach

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

 

  • Understand and apply key concepts
Identify and explain fundamental concepts related to disaster risk (vulnerability, adaptation, resilience, environmental justice, pollution, etc.).

Apply theoretical frameworks from environmental sciences, social sciences, and geography to analyze the interactions between environment and risk.

 
  • Critically analyze disaster risk situations
Develop a systemic and multi-scalar understanding of risk factors, including local, global, and structural dimensions.

Identify the social and territorial dynamics of inequality in terms of exposure, vulnerability, and access to resources.

 
  • Evaluate institutional and societal responses
Analyze adaptation and resilience strategies implemented by various actors (governments, local authorities, NGOs, and communities).

Critically assess public policies and risk governance frameworks, questioning power relations and mechanisms of exclusion.

 
  • Develop practical and reflective skills
Formulate recommendations or intervention strategies that take into account the complexity of territorial and social contexts.

Adopt a reflective and ethically grounded stance on their own role as future professionals engaged in disaster risk management.    

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Define and distinguish the fundamental concepts of risk and disaster management (risk, hazard, vulnerability, resilience, etc.) in the context of the Anthropocene.

Understand the complex dynamics of multiple crises and systemic emergencies.

Identify key actors and governance challenges related to risk management at different scales.

Critically analyze adaptation, resilience, and mitigation strategies in response to contemporary environmental transformations.

Adopt a systemic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of risks and disasters.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None

Part 1: A systematic approach

Class in French

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

None<br /><br /> None

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Part 1: A systematic approach

Theoretical presentations, case studies, feedback, and - when appropriate - smaster classes, and arts-based learning activities.

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Theoretical presentation and feedback

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Part 1: A systematic approach

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face courses (if conditions permit), mandatory attendance for feedbacks, master classes, and arts-based learning activities, as defined by the course instructor(s) at the start of the academic year, whether they take place during daytime or evening hours; and field trips.

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Face-to-face course


Further information:

hours of lecture

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Part 1: A systematic approach


Further information:

PowerPoint presentations are available in pdf. A list of selected papers is also provided (in French and English).

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

PowerPoint presentations are available in pdf. A list of selected papers is also provided (in Franch and English).

Part 1: A systematic approach

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

Students will be assessed by an oral exam based on a discussion around the analysis of figures and/or concepts seen during the course.

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

Students will be assessed by an oral exam based on a discussion around the analysis of figures and/or concepts seen during the course.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Part 1: A systematic approach

Pierre OZER
Département des Sciences et Gestion de l'Environnement
Université de Liège
Avenue de Longwy, 185 - B-6700 ARLON
E-Mail : pozer@uliege.be

Part 2: An introduction to basic concepts

Pierre OZER
Département des Sciences et Gestion de l'Environnement
Université de Liège
Avenue de Longwy, 185 - B-6700 ARLON
E-Mail : pozer@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs