Environmental Challenges in a Social Science Perspective
In this course, you will study current environmental issues – both global and local – as well as theories on environment and society, with a focus on political ecology and human geography perspectives. Key themes include the responsibilities of political and economic power, the importance of local knowledge and participation in processes of change, and the role of discursive power in shaping environmental and conservation issues.
Environmental Challenges from a Societal Perspective, 7.5 credits, is offered as a stand-alone course, as part of the Human Geography II – Landscape and Environment course package, 30 credits, and as an elective course during the second term of studies in Human Geography or within the Bachelor’s Programme in Human Geography – Society, Environment and Global Processes, 180 credits. The course is also offered as an elective within the Bachelor’s Programme in Urban and Regional Planning, 180 credits.
The course addresses current environmental issues – both global and local – and theories concerning the relationship between environment and society, with a focus on political ecology and human geography perspectives. Key themes include the responsibility of political and economic power, the significance of local knowledge and participation in processes of change, and discursive power in environmental issues – for example, how, why and by whom an environmental problem is defined, and what sustainable development means. The course also covers conservation issues such as the preservation of biodiversity.
Examples from rural and urban contexts in Sweden, Europe and Africa are discussed.
Teaching Format
Compulsory components include the introduction, lectures, seminars, and project work.
Detailed information, including grading criteria, is provided at the course introduction and via the learning platform Athena.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, you are expected to be able to:
- define and explain key concepts relevant to social science perspectives on environmental issues
- identify different perspectives on environmental questions and problems
- describe and provide examples of environmental challenges and how these can be understood and studied from a societal perspective, based on current research
- demonstrate the ability to independently and collaboratively assess and critically interpret relevant information in relation to a problem within the subject area of the course
- critically discuss environmental challenges using concrete examples, and identify the need for further knowledge
Assessment
Assessment is based on written assignments, take-home examination, participation in peer review, seminar, and presentation of project work.
Examiner
Several teachers are involved in the assessment and grading of the course.
Examiner:
Lowe Börjeson
