MX0173, Engaging critically with environmental governance practices, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-O, 2025-12-12
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

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

Objectives

This course enables students to develop in depth knowledge of environmental governance by critically engaging with real-world practices. During the course, students learn different theories relevant for understanding environmental governance and gain experience in applying these theories through a group project that investigates an environmental governance practice in Sweden. Throughout the project, and through close interaction and collaboration with relevant actors, students critically engage with the studied practice and explore suggestions for its improvement.

After completion of the course students will be able to:

• describe different theories relevant for understanding environmental governance in practices that involve multiple actors;
• apply theories to investigate and critically engage with environmental governance practices;
• employ qualitative research methods to collect and analyse data on environmental governance practices;
• investigate environmental governance practices through interaction and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Content

Subject-related content

The course consists of two main components; a theoretical and a practical one. In the theoretical component, theories relevant to understand environmental governance, with focus on practices involving multiple actors, are presented and discussed through lectures, literature studies and mandatory seminars. Students also learn how to apply these theories when investigating environmental governance practices, through relevant qualitative research methods.

In the practical component, students make use of the theoretical and methodological skills gained to investigate and critically engage with ongoing environmental governance practices through a group project, including a field trip. Examples of potential governance practices include the expansion of nature tourism and its impacts on other land uses, stakeholder perspectives on changes in urban forest management, the municipal management of water bodies or waste, etc. An important component of the group project is to interact and collaborate with actors engaged in the studied environmental governance issue. This includes preparing and facilitate activities where students can learn together with these actors, and jointly reflect on the project´s implementation, results and potential improvements to the studied practice.

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, and presentations.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: critical thinking, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, ability to work autonomously, and plan and manage time.

The following components are mandatory: seminars.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through project work, workshops, and study trip.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Successful completion of the course requires: - 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

The Course Replaces

MX0116, MX0149, MX0157