Courses: GEO330 Theories of Sustainable Land Use - Autumn 2020
Credits
10.0Language of Instruction
English
Teaching semester
Autumn
Objectives and Content
Finding ways to negotiate increasing pressures on land around the world is key to meet the sustainability challenge. The aim of this course is to give the student a thorough introduction to contemporary research and debates on sustainable land use in a period of rapidly increasing climate and environmental crises. The course integrates social science and ecological perspectives on competing uses of land, including production of food and energy, conservation, habitation and recreation. The concept land includes also coastal areas and marine resources. Students will discuss theoretical approaches to global and local complexities of sustainability, vulnerability and resilience. Central approaches to sustainability assessment are introduced, in addition to critical perspectives addressing sustainable land use interventions and policies for transition.
Learning Outcomes
A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- understands concepts of sustainability science and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and can critically reflect upon their content and on the dilemmas resulting from conflicting priorities
- has knowledge of advanced contemporary geographical and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable land use problems, including socio-ecological systems and political ecology
- understands how the trends in land use are shaped by environmental, social, economic and political factors
Skills
The student
- can read, understand, present and discuss advanced scientific texts on sustainability and land use subjects.
- can identify, select and apply relevant analytical approaches to assessment of sustainability, vulnerability and resilience
- can write informed texts discussing sustainability issues referring appropriately to literature and other sources
General knowledge
The student
- can apply geographical theoretical approaches to land use relationships and conflicts
Required Previous Knowledge
A bachelor's degree in Geography, or other relevant disciplines.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
GEO124, GEO131, GEO222, GEO281, GEO282 or similar courses
Access to the Course
Open for students at Master's level who meets the prerequisites.
Teaching and learning methods
One lecture/seminar/reading course รก 2 hours pr. week.
1-2 half day seminars
Total: 16-20 hours
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance half-day seminars.
Essay on chosen topic, 1500 words.
Forms of Assessment
Take home exam, 5 days, 3000-3500 words (100%)
Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Contact Information
Department of Geography
advice@geog.uib.no