Sweden´s social geography, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course introduces you to the range of possible topics in social geography. In the course we will use the term "social" to mean virtually all interactions among human beings. Therefore, "social" can refer to political, economic, or cultural issues, as well as those more conventionally thought of as social. Because we are casting such a broad net, the course will range widely across issues such as health, welfare, migration, globalization, nationalism, and gender with the focus on Sweden and the Swedish welfare system. Social geography takes a spatial approach to understanding society. It starts from the premise that geography and social relationships are inescapably linked. People are not just floating randomly in some sort of detached ether, interacting with each other only on the basis of class, or race, or gender. They are rooted in a real geography that has a profound influence on their social relationships. Understanding how society and geography interact is the central goal of this course.
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Explain general theoretical approaches in Human Geography;
2. Describe basic theories and concepts in social geography covered in the course.

Skills and Abilities
3. Collecting geographical information and data, for example via interviews or Sweden's statistical databases, and conduct basic summaries of this information.
4. Write short written reports, individually or in groups, and present it orally in accordance with the instructions and deadlines.

Judgement and approach
5. Apply social geographical theories on changes in population and migration patterns and welfare.
6. Illustrate how economic and political processes and power structures at the local, regional, national and global levels affect individuals and communities living conditions and freedom of action.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Instruction will consist of lectures, seminars and group assignments distributed throughout the duration of the course. The course will present topics in social geography, with an emphasis on both advancing theoretical knowledge and current affairs of Sweden’s social geographies. Lectures will use topics and themes to illustrate various theories. The seminars and discussions will allow students to grapple with the issues presented in class, and to analyze social geography in different situation and locations.
 
The relevancy of geography and its interaction with society and the construction of categories such as gender, ethnicity, class and sexuality will be integrated in all lectures, seminars and assignments.
 
The spoken and written language of the course is English. Attendance and active participation in seminars, cases and other assignments are required. The study form is 100% half a semester. Absence from any of the scheduled meetings will require the completion of an additional assignment.

Examination modes

The examination will consist of written papers, paper presentations and seminars. The grades used are: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). In order to pass the course and receive a grade, all examinations and assignments must be completed and receive a Pass grade. Students may receive the grades A-FX upon request.
 It is not possible to appeal a grade received (i.e. to have the grade examined by a higher authority). A student may ask the examiner to reconsider the grading. Any student who has failed two consecutive examinations has the right to have another examiner, unless specific reasons arise (HF Ch.6 §11B). Students are not permitted to retake exams that they have already passed in order to raise their grade.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Credit transfer is always examined individually.