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.
-
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:
Module 1: Challenges of the Anthropocene (4 hp)
Module 2: Linking theory to research questions and design (4 hp)
Module 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.
Learning outcomes
It is expected that the student, after taking the course, will be able to: 1) explain what key research areas for sustainability science are, 2) understand and explain how humanity has changed the functioning of the Earth system, 3) compare and contrast different disciplinary approaches to social-ecological systems, and explain in what contexts they are more or less useful, and 4) critique and apply methods for estimating human support from ecosystems, such as ecosystem services and ecological footprinting.
Assessment
Assessment is based on individual assignments and group projects.
Examiner
Sarah Cornell
E-mail: sarah.cornell@su.se
Tel: +46 8 16 7706
Amanda Jiménez Aceituno
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
-
Course reports
-
Contact
Student office- Visiting address
E315, Arrheniuslaboratory
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Contact us for help with:
-registration
-exams
-certificates
-much more
- Irregular office hours
Restricted hours due to Corona
Mon-Fri: 10-12 am
Study counsellor (advanced level)- Ann-Christin Lindås
- ann.christin.lindas@su.se
- 08-16 19 98
- Visiting address
E 315c, Arrheniuslaboratoriet
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Contact me if you want:
-help choosing courses
-to discuss career paths
-have problems with your studies
- Office hours
Enligt överenskommelse
