Rethinking forests: Historical and cultural perspectives, 7.5 Credits

Contents

With this course students gain insight into historical and environmental humanities approaches to forests. The course deals with the history of forests as an environmental, social and cultural phenomenon comprising different ideas, scientific disciplines, political ambitions, institutional settings and cultural framings. The course has a comparative perspective, where changes in Sweden from the 19th century to the present are contrasted with examples from other countries and cultural contexts. The overall aim is to help students develop knowledge and analytical tools in order to critically rethink forests in society, past and present, as well as to understand unfolding sustainability challenges.

Expected learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will:

Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate an understanding of how the history of forests is linked to society and cultural understandings
Demonstrate an understanding of how forests is linked to the history of science's role in society
Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in the interdisciplinary research field of environmental humanities

Skills and abilities
Analyze how science-related understandings and controversies play out in relation to forests
Discuss the value of historical conceptions to explore forests in their temporal context

Evaluation and attitude
Reflect on the meaning of forests and its role in society

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS courses in one subject, including a degree project (15 ECTS), or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6.  If the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course is taught completely online and involves only asynchronous (no real-time communication) learning activities. The course is structured into modules that cover specific areas and is designed around the active participation of students, in the form of group discussions and other forms of interaction around course content. Students are expected to participate regularly and to take an active approach to learning.

Technical requirements
*    Regular, reliable, high speed internet access
*    A computer (laptop or stationary) with a webcam (built in or external)
*    A microphone, preferably a headset with microphone

Examination modes

Assessment tasks include individual written assignments, seminar participation in both written and oral form, as well as individual written and oral presentations.

In order to pass the course, all obligatory tasks and assignments must have been successfully completed. The course is graded on the scale U (Fail), G (Pass), or VG (Pass with distinction).  Students who have passed a course cannot retake an exam for a higher grade.

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the date of the first examination, and once again within a year.  Examination based on the same syllabus as the ordinary examination is guaranteed during a period of two years after the student first registered for the course.

A student is entitled to have another examiner appointed after two failed examinations, by applying to the Faculty of Arts Board.