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.
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Course structure
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 7706Amanda Jiménez Aceituno (Module 3)
E-mail: amanda.jimenez@su.se
Tel: +46 8 674 7816 -
Schedule
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. -
Course literature
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. Click here for a link.
Walker B. et al. 2002. Resilience management in social-ecological systems: a working hypothesis for a participatory approach.Conservation Ecology 6 (1) 14 http://www.consecol.org/vol6/iss1/art14
Folke, C. 2016. Resilience (Republished). Ecology and Society 21(4):44. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-09088-210444
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Closed Thursday November 21!
Study counsellor for advanced level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
