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
Revised by: Head of Department of Sociology, 2019-06-19
Contents
The course lies within the field of environmental sociology. The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between society and the environment, focusing on environmental problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss, people´s attitudes and behavior in relation to these problems, and the policy responses aimed at addressing them. During the course different social sciences perspectives are presented that are relevant in order to understand the environmental challenges facing human societies, including responsibility and justice, self-interest and collective action, and state regulation versus the market.
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, Economic History 90 ECTS, Pedagogy 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/5.
Form of instruction
The course starts with a series of lectures and seminars that will provide students with a broad understanding of the relationship between society and the environment. The lectures focus on the three key themes: "Externalities and environmental policy", "Public opinion and behaviors", and "Development, trade, and the environment". The seminars will introduce students to relevant databases and statistical methods that can be used to analyze people's environmental attitudes and behaviors. The seminars will also present students with crucial tools on how to engage in in-depth case studies into a temporally and spatially defined environmental problem. After the lectures and seminars, the students should select a specific theme or research question for the examination essay, either using statistical analysis of existing survey data on environmental attitudes and behaviors or using the case study approach. The course has a strong emphasis on independent work and active student participation.
Examination modes
The examination consists of writing an essay and presenting it at a seminar (compulsory). In order to be examined on the course, students must turn in an essay and attend all compulsory sessions indicated in the course schedule.
For each examining part of the course, a regular examination is offered followed by a re-examination within two months after the regular examination. When an examination is offered in May and June, the first re-examination is offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition, a second re-examination given within a year after the end of the course. Re-examination based on the same course plan as the regular examination is guaranteed up to two years after the course plan has ceased to be valid or the course is no longer given (see rules for grades and examination on basic and advanced level, Dnr: FS 1.1.2-553-14). A student who has failed twice an examination for a course or a part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed after a written request to the head of department.
Deviations from the form of examination in the course plan can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustment of the examination form is determined based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course plan. After a request from the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, promptly decides on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be reported to the student.
Transfer of credits In order to transfer credits to a corresponding course at Umeå University, students have the right to submit previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession for evaluation. Application for transfer of credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. More information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's student website, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal for transfer of credits may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies whether the entire application or part of the application for transfer of credits is refused.
