Environmental Discourses and Political Governance, 7.5 credits
(Miljödiskurser och politisk styrning, 7,5 högskolepoäng)
| Course code | MJ016A |
|---|---|
| Subject area | Environmental Science |
| Main field of study | Environmental Science |
| Progressive specialisation | A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements) |
| Academic school | School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies |
| Disciplary domain |
Natural sciences 30%
Social sciences 70% |
| Grading scale | AF |
| Education cycle | Second-cycle (Master) |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Valid from | Autumn semester 2023 |
Validation
This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2022-12-07 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of English 6 and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Bioscience, Geography, Development Studies specialising in International Health, or an equivalent degree in the field of Medicine or Public Health Science.
Learning outcomes
On completing the course, the student can:
- Explain key challenges in environmental policy at different political and analytical levels.
- Compare and critically assess different environmental discourses.
- Explain and evaluate the interaction between stakeholders in environmental governance settings.
- Describe and assess power structures in environmental policy.
Course content, modules and examinations
The course offers in‑depth knowledge of environmental politics, with a particular focus on competing discourses and political multilevel governance. Challenges in resource governance are discussed with a focus on power relations, policies, values and interests behind the behaviour and preferences of the actors involved. What are the most important issues in environmental management and what solutions are proposed? Who is responsible? Conservative and traditional discourses are contrasted with more eco‑radical/norm‑based discursive categories, and students are given tools for deconstructing and interpreting specific environmental discourses, also in relation to political agenda‑setting and decision‑making processes, and power relations between actors at the global, regional, national, and local levels.
1001,
Environmental discourses and political governance,
7.5 credits
(Miljödiskurser och politisk styrning,
7,5 högskolepoäng)
Grades permitted:
AF
Course design
The course includes lectures, seminars and group work.
Examination format
1001, Environmental Discourses and Political Governance, 7.5 credits
- Individual written report
- Oral presentation and written hand‑in assignments (in groups and individually)
- Seminar participation
Absence from a maximum of 50% of the seminars can, after instruction from the examiner, be compensated for through written hand‑in assignments. The compensatory assignments must be submitted within one year of the end of the course.
The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.
If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.
Restrictions on accreditation
The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.