Print Syllabus

Syllabus

HU0006 Social science theories in sustainable development, 15.0 Credits

Samhällsvetenskapliga teorier för hållbar utveckling

Subjects

Sustainable Development

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 30 credits in sustainable development.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to give the students knowledge of how social science theories can be used to understand complex society and sustainability issues as a preparation for further studies and the independent thesis work. The course provides students with an understanding for how theories can be put to use in scientific work within sustainable development.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe and explain different scientific theoretical perspectives
• describe the main features of social science research history
• describe, problematize and use common social science theories within sustainable development
• understand and use important theoretical concepts including structure, agency, power, gender and class
• discuss the consequences of choosing between different theoretical starting points for identifying research problems, formulating questions and interpreting empirical material in sustainable development.

Content

Thematic content

The students practice using and problematizing social science theories to explain specific situations and phenomena, as well as connecting empirical material to theoretical explanatory models. The focus is on understanding and being able to use basic theoretical concepts such as structure, agency, power, gender and class. Students also learn to interpret different scientific theoretical perspectives in order to understand the main differences in perspective between natural science and social science research with a focus on how theories are used. By describing the main features of the history of social science research, students can understand and explain the scientific context of social issues and connect these to current sustainability problems and research in sustainable development.

Implementation

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning and discussions: lectures, literature studies, seminars and exercises.

The course focuses on the following general competencies: critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, and written communication.

The course includes mandatory attendance at seminars.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written assignments and approved participation in mandatory seminars.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development