Courses: GEO330 Theories of Sustainable Land Use - Autumn 2022
Credits
10.0ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Master
Language 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
MA in Geographies of Sustainable Development and MA in Geography, students from other relevant master's programmes at UiB and incoming exchange students with relevant background. Interested students from other programmes and exchange students are welcome to contact the Department of Geography (Studieveileder.geog@uib.no).
Teaching and learning methods
One seminar (30 min) and lecture (60 min) combined, á 2 hours pr. week.
1-2 half-day summary seminars
Total: 16-20 hours
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance half-day seminars.
Oral presentation of a given topic (2-3 students together, 30 min) as an introduction to a specific lecture
Forms of Assessment
Take home exam, 5 days, 3000-3500 words (100%)
Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester
Reading List
The reading list will be ready before 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Department of Geography at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.
Contact Information
Department of Geography
advice@geog.uib.no