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Umeå University
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Syllabus:

Reconstruction after Crises and Disasters, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Återuppbyggnad efter kriser och katastrofer

This syllabus is valid: 2008-11-03 valid to 2011-09-04 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2KG055

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Human Geography: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Political Science: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: AF

Responsible department: Department of Geography

Contents

The purpose of the course is to examine social reconstruction in areas/countries/regions that have experienced crises or disasters. The course also examines questions of reconstruction in areas/countries/regions characterized by week social institutions and structures. The course has two modules: Module 1 with a Political Science perspective, and Module 2 with a Human Geography perspective. The Political Science module focuses on the importance of formal and informal social structures, and democracy and development are central concepts. Describing and analyzing the political, geopolitical, economic, social and physical social structures are given considerable attention during this part of the course. Development theory and global geopolitics, development and trade are examined from a local-development perspective. The Human Geography module focuses on construction/reconstruction of a functioning society after different types of crises and conflicts. External relations and international efforts, structural measures, political institutions and processes and the importance of informal structures are examples of issues to be considered. Throughout the course attention is given to the question of social planning and how it is/can be organized during reconstruction.

Expected learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to: - describe and understand developments in weak areas/countries/regions, and in areas/countries/regions that have experienced a crisis or disaster, - identify and analyze the formal and informal structures that characterize an area/country/region, - analyze and propose a plan-of-action rooted in an understanding of the existing conditions in a weak/post-crisis or disaster area/country/region, - understand the global geopolitical position of an area/country/region and outsiders’ interest or lack of interest in the area/country/region, - understand and analyze the possibilities for social planning in a period of construction/reconstruction, - obtain and analyze information necessary for reconstruction, as well as evaluate the quality of available information, - analyze existing institutions and political processes in terms of political functions such as interest articulation, policy making and implementation, - analyze how political institutions contribute to or hinder reconstruction and recommend institutional and process-oriented reforms.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in a major field of subject, including 7,5 ECTS in quantitative methods, or the equivalent knowledge. Basic requirements for university studies in English equivalent to English A from Swedish Upper Secondary School.

Form of instruction

The course is taught using a mix of lectures and seminars. The course includes guest-lectures by experts from Swedish national agencies and agencies and researchers from other countries. Students are required to work both individually and in groups to complete several assignments and projects. Relevant gender issues related to the contents are continuously integrated in the course. The course is taught in English.

Examination modes

Students’ knowledge is evaluated using a written take-home examination and seminar assignments, both written and oral. Make-up tests and other make-up assignments based on this course syllabus are guaranteed for a period of two years after a student initially registered for the course. Students who have failed two examinations may request a new examiner, unless extenuating circumstances exist (HF 6kap. 11b §). In such cases students should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies to request a new examiner. ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER Credit transfer is always examined individually.

Literature