Engaging critically with environmental governance practices
Course description
This course introduces students to environmental governance, theoretically and in practice. The course is divided into three modules. In the first module students are introduced to social science theories of relevance for studying environmental governance, in the second module students get to carry out a small research project. The students are introduced to qualitative methods for data collection and analysis and, in a group, get to plan and perform a small study of a case of environmental governance. The data collection for the study is performed during a mandatory study trip with overnight stay(s). In the third module the students present their work to practitioners through a report and a final workshop.
Entry Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits including specialised studies comprising 90 credits within a single subject (e.g. Biology or Economics) within one of the following disciplinary domains:
- natural science
- technology
- social sciences. (e.g. sociology, psychology, economics, political science, human geography, media)
Course facts
MX0157, Engaging critically with environmental governance practices, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Camilo Calderon, 2024-11-05
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Environmental Science
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits including specialised studies comprising 90 credits within a single subject (e.g. Biology or Economics) within one of the following disciplinary domains:
- natural science
- technology
- social sciences. (e.g. sociology, psychology, economics, political science, human geography, media)
Objectives
Communication is crucial for environmental governance practices. These practices include, among others, managing natural resources, organising collective action, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, and creating arenas for public deliberation. The aim of this course is to develop in depth insights into how environmental governance is carried out in practice. In order to understand environmental governance students critically engage with ongoing governance practices, i.e. they carry out a theoretically based investigation for assessing and suggesting improvements to their case, while interacting with environmental governance actors such as citizens, professionals and organisations. In this course, students will develop their knowledge on a number of social constructionist theories. They will also improve their facilitation skills and refine their ability to collect and analyse empirical data in a way that is useful for both research and practice.
After completion of the course the student will be able to:
- describe different theoretical perspectives suitable to critically understand environmental governance in practice;
- describe qualitative research methods that can be used to investigate and assess an ongoing environmental governance practice;
- apply different theoretical perspectives to critically reflect on and contribute to an ongoing environmental governance practice;
- prepare and facilitate activities where they can learn together with other actors, and jointly reflect on results and potential implications of an investigative project.
Content
Subject-related content
The course has two main components; a theoretical and an experiential/practical component. In the theoretical component, theories relevant to environmental governance, for example social practice, discourses, symbolic interactionism, power or framing, are presented, discussed and applied through lectures, literature studies, seminars and experience-based workshops. Qualitative research methods for example interviews, focus groups and participant observations, including analysis of empirical material through coding are also presented and discussed. The theoretical component of the course is finished with an assessment of the students’ understanding. Active participation in the workshops of the theoretical component is mandatory.
In the experiential/practical component, students conduct an investigative project of an ongoing environmental governance practice or case (e.g. the municipal management of water bodies, the coordination of actions by grassroots organisations, or the mediation of conflicts between multiple stakeholders) from Sweden or other countries. As part of their investigative project, students critically engage with their selected case: they apply the introduced research methods and theories to collect and analyse empirical data; they report on the results of the investigative project and present them to relevant actors in a learning activity (e.g. workshop, seminar or webinar) that students design and facilitate. It is expected that the results of the investigative project will include some kind of assessment of the studied practice as well as suggestions for improving it. Throughout the process of the investigative project, students interact with governance actors involved in their case. Active participation in all activities of the investigative project is mandatory.
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, written assignments, project work, seminars, workshops, study trip, proficiency training, presentations.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Critical thinking, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, ability to work autonomously, plan and manage time.
The following components are mandatory:
See course schedule.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:
Project work, workshops, study trip.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Passed written or oral exam(s) - Active participation in mandatory activities - Active participation in project work - Passed written and oral presentation of project work For further information, please refer to the course schedule.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Included in program
- EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
- Environmental Communication and Management - Master's Programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Theorising environmental and participatory governance | 6.0 | 0007 |
| Communicating and deliberating with practitioners | 9.0 | 0008 |
| Communicating and deliberating with practitioners | 3.0 | 0006 |
The Course Replaces
MX0116, MX0149