Sustainability, Destinations and Regional Development, 15 Credits

Contents

In this course, the applications of different destination development models are addressed. Models and theories of destination development are critically discussed and scrutinized from a scientific perspective, highlighting not least their compliance with principles of sustainable development. The course covers interrelationships of destination development and regional development, i.e. economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism in different geographical contexts. Theories and practices for policy and planning for tourism and regional development are addressed discussing issues related to sustainable development.

Module 1. Destination development, 7.5 credits

Here, destinations are in focus through the analysis and use of various destination development models. The theoretical foundations of the models are discussed as well as how they are applied in different geographical contexts. Also, the possibilities to forecast the development of destinations using the theories are discussed and critically assessed.

Module 2: Regional development, 7.5 credits

This section highlights the connection between tourism and regional development and the relationship between sustainable tourism development and sustainable regional development. The focus is on the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism as well as various theories about the interaction of tourism with local and regional development. Policy and planning theory for tourism and regional development are also covered. The module includes both theoretical approaches and more applied planning exercises.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to

Module 1. Destination development

Knowledge and understanding

1. attribute relevant impacts and problems to different phases of the destination life cycle

Skills and abilities

2. review different planning approaches for sustainable tourism

3. analyze a destination regarding supply and demand

4. identify and apply different methods of tourism research in destination development,

5. present a destination analysis in written and oral form,

Judgement and approach

6. critically review theories and models for destination development from a sustainability perspective.

Module 2. Regional development, 7.5 credits

Knowledge and understanding

7. review different planning approaches for sustainable tourism

8. describe and relate the sustainability goals to themes relevant to regional development

Skills and abilities

9. identify and criticize the effects of different policy areas on tourism and sustainability

10. plan for sustainable tourism development

11. search for current research in a field linked to the focus of the course and compile this in writing with correct reference management and also present orally

Judgement and approach

12. critically examine ideas and theories about tourism and regional development from a sustainability perspective

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in human geography or equivalently.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6

Form of instruction

Teaching arrangement

Teaching is mainly given in the form of lectures, supervision and seminars where the student is expected to participate actively. The seminars are examining. Teaching is in English.

Examination modes

Examination modes

The course is examined through the following assignments:

- an individual major written assignment (0-20 p)

- an oral exam (0-20 p)

- an individual written assignment that is presented orally at a seminar (0-10 p)

- six literature seminars, of which attendance is required at four (12 p max)

The individual major written assignment is assessed at 0-20 points. The oral exam is graded 0-20 p. An individual written assignment with an oral presentation is graded 0-10 p. Literature seminars are assessed with 2 points for each Passed participation or 0 points for Failed, a total of max. 12 p. Presentation of one scientific article is required per student. For a passing result, active participation in at least three additional occasions where other students are presenting is required. In order to receive a grade of Pass for the entire course, the student must have at least 50 percent of the maximum points on the individually written submissions and on the oral examination and have received a passing result in at least 4 literature seminars. Assignments submitted late are given no more than 70 percent of the maximum points for that assignment.

The grading scale for the course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U). To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the whole course, the student must have received at least 75 percent of the maximum points. The assignments are scored in accordance with the information above. At least 50 percent of the maximum points on each assignment is required for a pass. The maximum score for the course is 62 points. In order to pass the entire course, all examinations must be passed. Assignments submitted late are given no more than 70 percent of the maximum points for that assignment.

If revisions are required in order to pass on an assignment, a revised version has to be submitted within 10 working days from announcement of points by the teacher. Grading for the entire course is given when all examinations have been passed. The grading scale for the course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U). To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the whole course, the student must have received at least 75 percent of the maximum points.

If special reasons exist, the examiner has the right to decide on another examination form. For students in need of special pedagogical support due to disabilities, individual adaptation of examination forms should always be considered based on the student's needs.  The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the course syllabus' intended learning outcomes. The course coordinating teacher shall, upon request from the student, consult with the examiner to quickly decide on an adjusted form of examination. The decision shall then be conveyed to the student.

It is not possible to appeal against a received grade, i.e. to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask the examiner to reconsider the examination.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. For students who have not passed an ordinary examination occasion, a new occasion for examination (a re-sit) is offered according to Umeå University's Grading and examination regulations for first- and second-cycle studies (Regulation FS 1.1.2-553-14). A re-sit shall be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination occasion, but no less than ten working days after the results of the ordinary examination have been announced. 

A student who on two occasions has failed an examination has the right to have another examiner appointed if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (HF chap. 6, §22). Such a request shall be processed as soon as possible. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of undergraduate studies.

Academic credit transfer

A student has the right to apply for a transfer of credits for previous education or activity. Applications regarding transfer of credits are processed by Student Services https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/

Other regulations

In case a course syllabus is no longer valid or has undergone significant revisions, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination session) according to the course syllabus the student initially was registered on, for a maximum of two years.