Give the student an introduction to current theories on environment and development. Create an in-depth understanding of important research themes within development geography and environmental geography, often of relevance for the master thesis.

The course is based upon research within the fields of environment and development and aims to stimulate critical perspectives on established knowledge and 'facts' that have dominated development strategies/policies. Myths and narratives about themes like climate change, deforestation, desertification and erosion are analyzed in light of theory of science where knowledge is viewed as socially constructed. Conventional views concerning land degradation are challenged in light of new ecology and political ecology. In the interaction between people and nature, institutions are important different groups¿ access to and governance of natural resources. The course is concerned with knowledge about power relations in the encounter between local communities and global discourses and institutions.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• Demonstrates advanced understanding of how narratives and discourses on environmental management and development theory and practice may represent social constructions and underlying power structures, and how this shapes conventional thinking and policy making in the theoretical fields.

Skills

The student

• analyzes and reflects independently upon how knowledge about complex problems are constructed and represented in academic sciences and in other power arenas.
• critically and actively uses literature and other sources in the presentation and discussion of environment- and development problems through the supervised writing of essays and participation in debates.

General knowledge

The student

• analyzes general discourses and narratives.
• can apply critical approaches to new thematic fields.
• can communicate and contribute to alternative approaches and understandings of environmental and development problems.
• can apply correct academic writing and referencing techniques.

This is a Web-based course.

• 7-8 online written lectures (Sessions)
• 3-4 online assignments with supervision
• Online debate
• Online role play
• Film seminars for students in Bergen

Participation in online debates and online role play.

Portfolio with 3 essays and one online home exam. One joint grade will be given.

GEO335 - 5 ects
GEO336 - 5 ects

Department of Geography

Studieveileder@geog.uib.no