"There's nothing to fear but fear itself." This course provides a critical analysis of 'real' issues that make our skin crawl, cause us to lock our door securely behind us, prevent us from helping a stranger in need. How much of our fear is warranted? To what extent is socially structured fear a product of urbanization? How vulnerable are we? We assess the social impact of moral panic versus under-reporting of the many real hazards we face every day. Among other things, the course looks at crime, terrorism, urban myths, conspiracy theory, environmental and health risks.