Climate change studies in the humanities, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Climate changes are not only about rising temperatures and severe weather conditions but also about cultural aspects that affect how people perceive and understand others and themselves in relation to their environment. The course addresses such social and cultural aspects of climate and climate change, as well as how people adapt to and live with changing weather conditions. The focus is on how perceptions of climate and climate change continuously influence people's identities and everyday lives, and how these perceptions are reflected in memories, popular culture, folklore, and social media. 

Module 1:  Cultural perspectives on climate (3,5 ects) 

 The module deals with current cultural theoretical concepts and perspectives on climate and climate change. Furthermore, it highlights how the relation between weather, humans and climate can be understood and problematized. Central concepts that will be discussed include climate, culture, gender, class and identity. 

Module 2: Cultures of climate (4 ects) 

The module explores what climate and climate change mean in people's lives and everyday experiences, with a focus on how individuals interpret and adapt to weather and climate. Through empirical examples, it delves into the relationship between humans and climate, as well as the significance of climate change for people's identities and daily lives.  

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1:  Cultural perspectives on climate (3,5 ects)  

After completing Module 1 the student should be able to: 

  Knowledge and understanding 

• Account for central cultural theoretical concepts and perspectives in relation to climate and climate change 

 
 
Skills and abilities 

• apply relevant cultural theoretical concepts and perspectives in interpretations that highlight social and cultural aspects of climate and climate change  
• discuss and problematize social and cultural aspects of the relationship between humans, climate, and climate change 

    
 
Judgment and approach 

• critically and analytically engage with different descriptions and interpretations of the meanings of climate and climate change, and how these affect people's daily lives, as well as demonstrate a reflective approach in their own analyses of such phenomena 

Module 2: Cultures of climate (4 ects) 

After completing Module 2 the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding 

• account for empirical examples of how people interpret and understand climate and climate change, and how different interpretations and understandings of climate impact people's everyday lives. 

 Skills and abilities 

• conduct their own analyses of how people interpret and understand climate and climate change, and how different interpretations and understandings of climate affect people's daily lives. 

Judgment and approach 

• Critically and analytically engage with various descriptions and interpretations of the meanings of climate and climate change, and how these impact people's everyday lives. They should also demonstrate a reflective approach in their own analysis of such phenomena. 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course is held in English. The teaching is online and consists of written introductions and instructions, digital lectures and seminars, as well as individual written assignments. When attendance at lectures or exercises is compulsory, that is, of the examining nature, it is specifically stated in the schedule. In case of absence on a compulsory occasion, supplementary information is provided by the teacher. 

 
For those who are registered for a course and have a disability, there are resources for special support. For more information, contact the Student Center. 

Examination modes

Module 1 is examined through a quiz and participation in mandatory seminars. The quiz and the seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pass)) all mandatory parts are required, and assignments must have received the grade G.   

Module 2 is examined through seminars and an individual written assignment. Seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). Individual written assignment is graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pass)) all mandatory parts are required, and the individual written assignment must have received the grade G. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the module, all mandatory parts are required (grade G), and the individual written assignment must have received the grade VG. 

 
For each examining part of the course there is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June, the first reexamination is offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this, a third reexamination is given within a year after the end of the course. Those who have passed the test may not undergo a re-test for higher grades. 
 
A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement in order to achieve the examination assignment's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted.  

 
The examiner can decide on deviations from the syllabus' examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination which is then communicated to the student. 

 
To pass the course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been approved. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction on the entire course, the student must have received this grade on module 2. 

 
Students who are registered for a course and have registered credits in Ladok on the course have the right to be examined on the course and its parts up to two years after the first registration date. A student who, without a passing grade, has passed an ordinary examination and a re-examination for the course, has the right to have another examiner appointed at the next re-examination, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Requests for a change of examiner are made to the director of studies at the Department of Culture and Media Studies. 

 
Transfer of credits 
The student who wishes to take advantage of education obtained at another department or university (Swedish / foreign) must do so in the order described in Tillgodoräknandeordning vid Umeå universitet (Dnr. 545-3317-02). 

 
The application for credit must be made in writing. The application must state which element or course the application refers to. Certified copies of course certificates or equivalent, stating the university, time, subject affiliation, level, points and grades must be attached. In addition, the syllabus, including bibliography for the courses referred to and, where applicable, essay work, must be attached. 

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content, for example 1KA041. In case of doubt, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Cultural and Media Studies .