Critical Perspectives on Environment and Development
Course offered :
- Current semester
- Next semester
Current programmes of study
Course offered by
| Number of credits | 10 |
| Course offered (semester) | Spring |
| Subject overlap | GEO335 - 5 ects |
| Schedule | Schedule |
| Reading list | Reading list |
Aim and Content
Give the student an introduction to current theories on environment and development. Create an in-depth understanding of important research themes within development geography and environmental geography, often of relevance for the master thesis.
The course is based upon research within the fields of environment and development and aims to stimulate critical perspectives on established knowledge and 'facts' that have dominated development strategies/policies. Myths and narratives about themes like climate change, deforestation, desertification and erosion are analyzed in light of theory of science where knowledge is viewed as socially constructed. Conventional views concerning land degradation are challenged in light of new ecology and political ecology. In the interaction between people and nature, institutions are important different groups¿ access to and governance of natural resources. The course is concerned with knowledge about power relations in the encounter between local communities and global discourses and institutions.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course the students should be able to:
- provide an overview of critical perspectives on environment and development.
- reflect independently upon how knowledge about complex problems are constructed and represented in academic sciences and in other power arenas.
- critically and actively use literature and other sources in the presentation and discussion of environment- and development problems through the supervised writing of essays and participation in debates.
- analyze discourses and narratives.
- use correct academic writing and referencing techniques.
Course offered (semester)
Spring
Exam offered (semester)
Spring
Language of Instruction
English
Course Unit Level
Master
Department
Department of Geography
Access to the Course Unit
Open for all master students but the course has a limited number of places. Students at the Master's Programme in Development Geography and Master's Programme in Geography will be prioritized. GEO337 is obligatory for Master's students in Delveopment Geography. The course is a "Special topic course". The coursework requirement in the Master's programme in Geography includes two special topics courses.
Pre-requirements
Bachelor in geography, development studies or equivalent. Basic skills in the use of a computer and the Internet.
Recommended previous knowledge
Subject Overlap
GEO335 - 5 ects
GEO336 - 5 ects
Teaching Methods
This is a Web-based course.
7-8 online written lectures (Sessions)
3-4 online assignments with supervision,
Online debate
Online role play
Film seminars for students in Bergen.
Compulsory Requirements
Participation in online debates and online role play.
Assessment methods
Portfolio with 3 essays and one online home exam. One joint grade will be given.
Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Place of Teaching
Teaching through the KARK system for web-based teaching.
Course Unit Evaluation
Department of Geography evaluates a third of its course portfolio each semester. GEOs337 will therefore be evaluated at least every third time the course is offered. The first time will be in the spring of 2008.
Contact Information
Department of Geography
advice@geografi.uib.no