Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MX0155 Society and environment, 10.0 Credits

Samhälle och miljö

Subjects

Environmental Science Environmental science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	10.0	0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Master’s level (AXX)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

A Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits.

English language proficiency that corresponds to English studies at upper secondary (high school) level in Sweden ("English 6").

Objectives

Main Objective 


After completing the course students should understand the dynamic interactions between society and nature, how institutions affect the conditions for sustainable development. The students should have developed knowledge in assessing social, economic and ecological sustainability using systems and resilience thinking frameworks.

Part Objectives 


After the completed course, the students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding so that they can: 


• describe different approaches for defining, describing and explaining sustainable development in society, 


• critically discuss and analyze sustainability, using different social, economic and ecological perspectives within an integrative systems framework in general and in specific cases.

The students should also display their acquired knowledge to: 


• discuss and select appropriate approaches for analysing sustainable development 


• demonstrate practical application of scientific methods for analysing and evaluating actions in society with respect to resilience and sustainable development. 


The students should be able to critically evaluate and relate to: 


• existing theories and methods for analysis when examining issues related to sustainability

• management of natural resources and land use in relation to socio-economic development and conflicts

• international and national activities, business and corporate enterprises in relation to sustainable development, and individual ethics and responsibilities for sustainability

Content

The course focuses on advanced knowledge on how individuals, organizations and their governing institutions can change to achieve sustainability in a world of accelerated climate change, biodiversity loss and finite resources. This implies the identification of potentials and constraints for sustainable development in different societies from a social and social-ecological perspective. Basic principles for governance for resilience and sustainability are discussed, such as human rights, democracy, poverty and inequality, economic systems, land use and international policy frameworks and conventions for sustainable development. 



Approaches for describing and understanding the organization of society for achieving sustainable development will be elaborated upon, and different institutional solutions for management of environmental resources under conditions of risk, vulnerability and uncertainty will be discussed. Perspectives from different social science disciplines and approaches to sustainable development at different temporal and spatial scales will be analyzed, and 
criteria for successful management of human and natural resources be identified.

Treated topics include: 


• Complex systems, resilience assessments and sustainability

• Economics and sustainable development

• Political science, security and climate change in relation to sustainability

• International frameworks and conventions

• Governance, land use conflict, and sustainability

• The connections and interactions between climate change, biodiversity loss and Sustainable Development Goals.

• Case studies (based on literature study)

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

Written home exam, presentation of project work, discussions and seminar participation/presentations (as above). 


Passed home examination, approved project work and seminar presentations.

Active participation in seminars and participation in compulsory parts, which are discussions.

• 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 examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the 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 Ecology

Cooperating departments: