Sustainability and Planning in a Globalized World, 15 credits

Contents

The course provides in-depth knowledge of planning and sustainable development with a focus on human geography and provides an opportunity for subject-specific preparation for the thesis project. The course deals with current themes in human geographical research and in research on spatial planning with a focus on sustainable development in international contexts. The course highlights how and why problems, perspectives and planning vary in different parts of the world.

Module 1: Planning for Sustainable Development from a Human Geography Perspective (10 credits)

This module deepens the understanding of how the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development have evolved over time. It explores what sustainable development entails for spatial planning and development work from different perspectives and geographical contexts. The module addresses themes central to sustainable planning, including conflicting interests, aspects of (in)equality, climate change/adaptation, and vulnerability. It also explores how planning relates to broader societal challenges such as crises and risk. Through theoretical perspectives and case studies, students examine the opportunities and challenges these themes present for planning and development work in different geographical contexts.

Module 2: Thematic In-depth Studies (5 credits)

During this part of the course the student is introduced to systematic literature reviews as a part of the research process. These methods are thereafter applied in a term paper assignment on a topic relating to course themes agreed upon with the teacher.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Demonstrate understanding of how spatial planning affects the conditions for sustainable development in different geographic contexts,

2. be able to explain how planning and development strategies can be used to reduce the vulnerabilities of various societies and contribute to more long-term sustainable development,

Competence and skills

3. demonstrate good analytical skills to apply relevant concepts and theories in a concrete planning situation, in particular with respect to sustainable development, vulnerability and risk,

4. analyze and discuss how planning settings and practices on different geographical levels (from the global to the local) have an impact on the possibilities to plan for sustainability, including risk reduction and climate adaptation,

5. independently define, design, and carry out a study from a sustainability and planning perspective, and present the results both in writing and orally,

Judgement and approach

6. demonstrate ability to critically review scientific studies from a sustainability and planning perspective, and

7. reflect on and discuss how and why planning challenges, perspectives, and practices vary across different parts of the world, with focus on issues of (in)equality and power relations.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, SAPSM + 30 ECTS advanced level in Human Geography

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2

Form of instruction

The course is based on lectures, assignments, supervision, and seminars where the student is expected to participate actively. All teaching on the course is in English. Parts of the teaching may be given using distance technology.

Examination modes

The course is examined through the following exams:
Module 1:

- Three thematic seminars based on assigned course literature. At least one of these seminars includes group work with presentation.

- Four literature seminars (journal clubs). Presentation of a scientific article on one occasion, and active participation in the other three seminars where other students have their presentations.

- One individual written assignment presented orally at a seminar (0-40 points).

Module 2:

- One term paper (individual major written assignment), related to the course’s theme, presented orally at a seminar (0-20 points).

- Active participation in seminar discussions, including providing constructive comments on other students’ work and engaging in critical dialogue around presented term papers.

The assignments are assessed in accordance with the information above. At least 50 percent of the maximum score on the respective assignment that is scored and passed on all other examinations is required to pass the course. The maximum score on the course is 60 points. Late submissions cannot receive more than 70 percent of the maximum points for the assignment. If additional work is required to pass an assignment, the revision must be submitted within 10 working days from announcement of credits by the teacher. Grades on the course are only given once all assignments are passed. The grading scale for the course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U).

To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for each module, the student must have at least 75 percent of the maximum score on that module. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the whole course, the student must have at least 75 percent of the maximum points for the entire course.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

It is not possible to appeal against a grade received, i.e., to get it examined by a higher authority, but a student can always criticize the grading or ask the examiner to reconsider the examination.

Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. For students who have not passed an ordinary examination occasion, a new occasion for examination (a resit) is offered according to Umeå University's Grading and examination regulations for first- and second-cycle studies (Regulation FS 1.1.2-553-14). A resit shall be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination occasion, but no less than ten working days after the results of the ordinary examination have been announced. For examinations conducted during the months of May and June, the first resit may be offered within three months after the ordinary examination occasion.

A student who on two occasions has failed an examination has the right to have another examiner appointed if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (HF chap. 6, §22). Such a request shall be processed as soon as possible. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of undergraduate studies.

Academic credit transfer
A student has the right to apply for a transfer of credits for previous education or activity. Applications regarding transfer of credits are processed by Student Services.

Other regulations

In case a course syllabus is no longer valid or has undergone significant revisions, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination session) according to the course syllabus the student initially was registered on, for a maximum of two years.