Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship C, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Social and environmental entrepreneurship have become frequent phenomena, both in Sweden and internationally.  They include many diverse initiatives and ventures that use entrepreneurial means to address sustainability challenges. The course introduces these two forms of entrepreneurship, including different practical examples, and their importance for societal development. The course will also explore and problematize theoretical, practical and political perspectives upon these forms of entrepreneurship. It equips the students with knowledge and tools to work with entrepreneurial solutions to contemporary sustainability challenges in their future careers and as agents of social change.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• Discuss and critically reflect upon social entrepreneurship and ecopreneurship as concepts
• Discuss and analyze the link between societal challenges and social entrepreneurship as well as ecopreneurship
• Reflect upon, and analyze, the role of entrepreneurship for a sustainable economic, social, and ecological development
• Use relevant and credible sources to analyze and discuss different aspects of social and ecopreneurship
• Identify and analyze an existing social- och eco-entrepreneurial venture, including its underlying sustainability challenge
• Present own work and communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

Required Knowledge

60 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) or equivalent whereof approved 45 credits or the equivalent from the following subjects: Economic history, History of Science and Ideas, Informatics, Media and Communication studies, Pedagogy, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or Political Science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

This course provides the opportunity to advance the student's understanding of social and environmental entrepreneurship in theory and practice. Teaching activities include lectures, guest lectures, discussions, preparations for, and participation in, seminars and group work.

During lectures, different perspectives on social and environmental entrepreneurship will be presented and discussed, e.g. how social entrepreneurship can contribute to addressing societal challenges and sustainability perspectives on social and environmental entrepreneurship. Teaching activities will support students to seek additional knowledge through research-based literature reviews as well as through applying this knowledge in their group work. Throughout, these activities will be infused with a reflective and critical approach to the focused phenomena, discussing societal roles, implications and tensions.

Students will develop generic competences, both verbal and written presentations in English, presentation techniques, information gathering and group work as well as individually expressing a critical reflective approach to the topic.
 

Examination modes

The course is examined through seminars, written group assignment including verbal presentation, and a written individual hall exam. Each examination part must be approved to pass the course. Material from the guest lectures can be included in the examination. All examinations will be in English.

See each separate module and below.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.

To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a re- examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, other form of examination can be used. 

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity. 

Adaptations 
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified. 

Academic integrity and cheating 
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.