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Social-Ecological Systems: Challenges and Approaches

This course introduces students to the Anthropocene, the new geological era in which we live, in which humanity has become the dominant force structuring the biosphere.

The course will address what this means for critical subsystems in the earth system, for humanity, and for the development of earth system governance. This course will define the research challenges that the Master's programme "Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development" addresses. It will explore alternative approaches to coupled social-ecological systems from multiple disciplinary backgrounds, for example, economics, geography and ecology. The course will also introduce current approaches to measuring and monitoring how ecosystems support human well-being.

Students will be introduced to theoretical concepts and methods for analysis, and will conduct group and individual research projects that utilize these concepts and methods.

Modules

The course is comprised of the following three modules:

  1. Challenges of the Anthropocene (4 hp)
  2. Linking theory to research questions and design (4 hp)
  3. Ecosystem support of humanity (7hp)

Teaching Format

Teaching consists of lectures, self-studies and group work lead by teachers from different scientific fields. Module 3 also includes fieldwork and data collection and analysis exercises. Students will work in groups to assess and discuss each other’s work. This component will provide a set of alternative approaches to addressing related questions, and will allow students to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, to develop skills in critical analysis and providing scholarly feedback.


Assessment

Assessment is based on individual assignments and group projects.

Examiner

Sarah Cornell (Modules 1 & 2 and overall)
E-mail: sarah.cornell@su.se
Tel: +46 8 16 7706

Amanda Jiménez Aceituno (Module 3)
E-mail: amanda.jimenez@su.se
Tel: +46 8 674 7816

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

No mandatory course book.

Recommended reading

"What is Resilience?" Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University.

What is Resilience

Walker B. et al. 2002. "Resilience management in social-ecological systems: a working hypothesis for a participatory approach." Conservation Ecology 6 (1) 14

Read "Resilience management in social-ecological systems" in Ecology and Society

Folke, C. 2016. Resilience (Republished). Ecology and Society 21(4):44.

Read "Resilience" in Ecology and Society

Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.


Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following two selection criteria, with equal weight:

  • relevance of previous studies in relation to the course
  • motivation letter

Required supporting documentation

To submit your motivation letter you must use our form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted), a letter with link and more information (including deadline to submit) is sent to all applicants after last day to apply.