Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship C, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Social and environmental entrepreneurship have become frequently used concepts, both in Sweden and internationally. But what do these forms of entrepreneurship really stand for? How does such prevailing practice appear? And what it is the importance of this practice for societal developments? This course will – based upon contemporary societal challenges – explore, problematize and analyze: theoretical, practical and political perspectives, upon these forms of entrepreneurship.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• Discuss and critically reflect upon social entrepreneurship and ecopreneurship as concepts
• Discuss and analyze the link between societal challenges and social entrepreneurship as well as ecopreneurship
• Reflect upon, and analyze, the role of entrepreneurship for a sustainable economic, social, and ecological development
• Use relevant and credible sources to analyze and discuss different aspects of social and ecopreneurship
• In written and oral form design and propose a social or environmental entrepreneurial venture 
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen) or an equivalent higher education of a minimum 180 higher education credits (ECTS) from an internationally recognised University, in Public Health, Healthcare, Health Education, Health Pedagogy, Pharmacy, Economics, Business Administration (Controlling, Financial Management, Entrepreneurship, Financing, Management, Accounting), or another relevant field in social or behavioural science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

This course provides the opportunity to advance the student’s understanding of social and environmental entrepreneurship in theory and practice. Teaching activities include lectures, guest lectures, discussions, preparations for, and participation in, seminars and group work.

During lectures, different perspectives on social and environmental entrepreneurship will be presented and discussed, e.g. how social entrepreneurship can contribute to addressing societal challenges and sustainability perspectives on social and environmental entrepreneurship. Teaching activities will support students to seek additional knowledge through research based literature reviews as well as through applying this knowledge in the development of ventures. Throughout, these activities will be infused with a reflective and critical approach to the focused phenomena, discussing societal roles, implications and tensions.

Students will develop generic competences, both verbal and written presentations in English, presentation techniques, information gathering and group work as well as individually expressing a critical reflective approach to the topic.

Examination modes

The course is examined through seminars, written group assignment including verbal presentation, and an individual written exam. Each examination part has to be approved to pass the course. Material from the guest lectures can be included in the examination. All examinations will be in English.

See each separate module and below.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.

To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.

Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research applies: 　http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva

Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.

Other regulations

The course is available within the Master program in Master Programme in Public Health with a Specialization in Health Economics [VAHEM] (120 hp).

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.