Environmental Discourses and Communication
Entry Requirements
- 15 credits in forest science or
- 15 credits in forestry science or
- 15 credits in biology or
- 15 credits in environmental science or
- 15 credits environmental communication or
- 15 credits in landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural science or
- 15 credits of natural resource management.
In addition, English B or equivalent is required. As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.
Course facts
LK0444, Environmental Discourses and Communication, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Landscape Architecture
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
- 15 credits in forest science or
- 15 credits in forestry science or
- 15 credits in biology or
- 15 credits in environmental science or
- 15 credits environmental communication or
- 15 credits in landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural science or
- 15 credits of natural resource management.
In addition, English B or equivalent is required. As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.
Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students with an understanding of forest and landscape as seen from a perspective of ethical choices, and to train the students ability to critically problematize and communicate options in those choices.
After completing the course the student should be able to
- identify how different environmental discourses may entail different understandings of, and consequences for, sustainable development
- demonstrate an ability to describe, distinguish between and discuss different approaches to forest and landscape
- reflect and discuss challenges in translating sustainability policies and goals into concretes measures
- critically appraise ethics and values in forest and landscape dynamics from a local and global perspective
- actively contribute to co-learning processes including constructive feedback to peers and developing reflexive and argumentative skills in an academic context.
Content
During the course, the student develop an understanding of how the forest and the landscape are part of society. Socially critical perspectives are applied to conditions concerning e.g. relations between human and nature, ethics, culture, equality, politics and power. Perspectives from different disciplines and sectors will be discussed.
The course is divided into three parts. The first part deals with approaches to environmental discourses and communication in different contexts (e.g. urban-rural, or global north- global south). Relevant research and theories are introduced through literature and seminars and applied in co-learning processes. This part supports the students understanding of how ethics and communication, discourses and storytelling are related.
The second part aims to explore how discourses, values, norms and worldviews are translated into rhetorics, action and decision-making. Engaging in sustainability policies and goals as a lens and working critically with those, the students train reflexivity and argumentation concerning ethical conflicts. Real-life cases, from which the students will select for the case-study based assignment in part 3, are introduced.
The third part synthesizes the previous parts by application of the theoretical and communicative tools on selected cases. The students identify an ethical dilemma and develop potential approaches to cope with the dilemma. The assignment is presented through creative and sensible use of communication tools. This part relates to the previous modules by stressing reflection on ethics.
Compulsory moments for the three parts include: Attendance to literature seminars and presentation of written reflection; developing an argumentation in a written assignment related to ethical conflicts and sustainability policy and goals; and a presentation and communication of a case study assignment.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved group work and oral presentation, as well as approved individual assignment. Completed compulsory moments.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest and Landscape (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Setting the scene: Forming knowledge about environmental discourses and communication | 3.5 | 0001 |
| Situating knowledge: Case introductions, field trips and finding one's own position through argumentation | 4.0 | 0002 |
| Coping with complexities: Group project on an ethical dilemma | 7.5 | 0003 |
The Course Replaces
LK0425
Other Information
The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course instance which the student has been admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information, please refer to the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.