Main Field of Study and progress level:
Sociology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Sociology
Established by: Head of Department of Sociology, 2015-09-11
Revised by: Head of Department of Sociology, 2015-10-13
Contents
The course provides knowledge on current research in the field of environmental sociology. The aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between society and the environment, including the relationship between attitudes, perceptions and behavior in relation to environmental issues. The course presents different perspectives from the social sciences that are relevant when trying to understand the challenges society face when it comes to environmental issues.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
have a deeper knowledge about central issues, themes and research areas within the field of environmental sociology
have a deeper understanding of the relationship between attitudes, perceptions and behavior related to environmental issues
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
demonstrate developed research skills when it comes to the ability to review current research in order to identify relevant research questions in the field of environmental sociology
be able to discuss theories, arguments and concepts related to environmental sociology both verbally as well as in writing
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
have knowledge about different methods that can be applied in order to answer empirical research questions in the field of environmental sociology
demonstrate knowledge about the significance of the social sciences and environmental sociology in contributing to practical environmental work in society
Required Knowledge
Univ: Courses of the amount of 90 ECTS credits in Social Sciences (Business Administration 90 ECTS, Economics 90 ECTS, Education 90 ECTS, Gender Studies 90 ECTS, Human Geography 90 ECTS, Informatics 90 ECTS, Peace and Conflict Studies 90 ECTS, Political Science 90 ECTS, Psychology 90 ECTS, Social Administration 90 ECTS, Social Care 90 ECTS, Social Policy 90 ECTS, Social Work 90 ECTS, Sociology 90 ECTS), or equivalent eligibility. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A. IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimun total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL IBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section.
Form of instruction
The course starts with a series of lectures aiming to provide the students with a broad understanding of how different actors and disciplines relate to environmental issues. The challenges of practical environmental work with a focus on human behavior are also highlighted. These lectures are supplemented by a lecture presenting relevant databases and statistical methods that the students can use to analyze environmental attitudes and behavior. This lecture also provides guidelines on how to conduct a systematic literature review in order to examine a specific theme or issue. After the lectures, the students should select a specific theme or research question for the examination essay. The course has a strong emphasis on independent work and active student participation.
Examination modes
The examination consists of two parts. The students are expected to write a PM and an essay; the essay should also be presented at a seminar (compulsory). In order to be awarded a Pass grade for the course as a whole, the student must pass both parts of the examination and attend all compulsory sessions indicated in the course schedule.
Literature
Valid from:
2016 week 1
Hannigan John A. Environmental sociology 3. ed. : London : Routledge : 2014 : xiv, 243 p. : ISBN: 9780415661898 (pbk.) : Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
