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Systems Theory and Resilience Thinking

Learn about qualitative and quantitative approaches to systems theory, and how these approaches can be applied to analyze social-ecological systems. Regime shifts, the reorganization of the structure and processes shaping a social-ecological system, are explored from a theoretical and practical perspective, including investigation of a set of case studies.

Resilience thinking uses systems concepts to understand slow and abrupt changes. Key resilience concepts will be introduced. Students will be introduced to theoretical concepts, methods for analysis, and conduct group and individual research projects that utilize these concepts and methods.

  • Course structure

    Modules

    The course consists of the following modules:

    4. Systems thinking (4 hp)

    5. Regime shifts and transformation (5 hp)

    6. Resilience thinking (6 hp)

    Teaching format

    The course will mix and combine formal lectures, seminars, field observations, and group- and individual project work. Most of these activities will be compulsory.

    Assessment

    The different modules will be examined separately. Assessments will be mostly based on project reports (written and verbal) produced in individual- and/or group work.

    Examiner

    David Collste (Module 4)
    E-mail: david.collste@su.se

    Juan Rocha (Module 5 and overall)
    E-mail: juan.rocha@su.se

    Hanna Sinare (Module 6)
    E-mail: hanna.sinare@su.se

  • 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.

    Meadows, D. Thinking in Systems - A primer. Chelsea Green Publishing 2008.

  • Course reports

  • More information

    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.

  • Contact

    Student office
    info.big@su.se
    08-16 40 69
    08-16 40 15
    • Visiting address

    • Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315

    • Svante Arrhenius väg 20C

    • Office hours

    • Mon-Thur: 1 PM - 3 PM

    Study counsellor for advanced level
    Ann-Christin Lindås
    ann.christin.lindas@su.se
    08-16 19 98
    • Visiting address

    • Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315

    • Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C

    • Office hours

    • By request

Selected reading

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