Environmental Governance, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces environmental problems and global environmental change as complex, transboundary, multi-level and multi-sector issues, that need to be dealt with at all administrative levels and with an integrated approach across policy areas. Using theories of governances, we will discuss what this may imply in practice for the policy-making and implementation of environmental politics on different levels. The course introduces key theoretical concepts useful for the understanding of global environmental change as a policy problem, and employs different ideological perspectives for further understanding and analysis of the mechanisms driving global environmental change and environmental politics.

Expected learning outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding, students who successfully complete the course are expected to be able to:

• Describe and understand the complexity of environmental problems and global environmental change, and the transboundary, multi-level and multi-sector character of environmental governance.

• Describe and understand concepts and theories that are central to the study of environmental governance, including sustainable development, multi-level governance, and institutional interplay.

Regarding competence and skills, students who successfully complete the course are expected to be able to:

• Employ and argue different ideological perspectives to explain and propose solutions to global environmental change.

• Apply theories of governance to the policy-making and implementation of environmental politics.

• Critically discuss issues of power and inequality in relation to environmental governance.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 30 ECTS-credits in Political Science or equivalent.

Form of instruction

The course consists of lectures, seminars (including oral presentations), and a role-play (including a written assignment and oral presentations). The lectures aim to support students’ learning as a complement to individual studies of the required readings; the seminars offer the opportunity to further discuss issues and concepts introduced throughout the course; and the role-play provides a deeper understanding of how global environmental governance is carried out, as well as a chance to practice skills of argumentation and oral presentation. Participation in seminars and role-play is mandatory.

Examination modes

The course grade is based on active participation in seminars and role-play, completion of seminar and role-play assignments (oral and written), and a take-home exam. Three grades can be awarded: Fail (U), Pass (G), and Pass with distinction (VG).

Students who fail an examination may retake that examination at least 5 times. A student has the right to be tested in accordance with the same syllabus as during the original examination for up to two years after the first registration. A student has the right to request a new examiner if he/she fails two sub-course examinations (i.e. an examination and a retest). In such cases students should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Studierektor).

Tillgodoräknande

The Director of Undergraduate Studies (Studierektor) makes decisions about transfer credits for a module or course. Students who want to transfer credits should submit a written request to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The request should specify which module or course the request applies to. An official transcript should also be submitted. The transcript must include the following information: where and when the course was given, the discipline and level of the course, total course credits and grade received. A syllabus describing the course and listing required reading should be submitted with the request. Where applicable, written research papers should also be submitted.

Other regulations

Course evaluations are administered at the end of each module.