Main Field of Study and progress level:
Sociology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Sociology
Established by: Head of Department of Sociology, 2017-06-19
Contents
Environmental sociology is by now an established discipline, yet sociological perspectives on environmental problems such as climate change and global warming have not been central in environmental research. For instance, while the natural sciences have provided much insight regarding the physical processes underlying climate change, sociological knowledge about its causes and solutions has, until very recently, been limited. The course provides knowledge on current environmental sociological research. The aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between society and the environment, emphasizing how attitudes, perceptions and behavior interact with environmental problems such as climate change.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
have a deeper knowledge about central issues, themes and research areas within the field of environmental sociology
have a deeper understanding of the relationship between attitudes, perceptions and behavior related to environmental issues
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
demonstrate developed research skills when it comes to the ability to review current research in order to identify relevant research questions in the field of environmental sociology
be able to discuss theories, arguments and concepts related to environmental sociology both verbally as well as in writing
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
have knowledge about different methods that can be applied in order to answer empirical research questions in the field of environmental sociology
demonstrate knowledge about the significance of the social sciences and environmental sociology in contributing to practical environmental work in society
Required Knowledge
Univ: Courses of the amount of 90 ECTS credits in Social Sciences (Business Administration 90 ECTS, Economics 90 ECTS, Economic History 90 ECTS, Pedagogy 90 ECTS, Gender Studies 90 ECTS, Human Geography 90 ECTS, Informatics 90 ECTS, Peace and Conflict Studies 90 ECTS, Political Science 90 ECTS, Psychology 90 ECTS, Social Administration 90 ECTS, Social Care 90 ECTS, Social Policy 90 ECTS, Social Work 90 ECTS, Sociology 90 ECTS), or equivalent eligibility. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/5.
Form of instruction
The course starts with a series of lectures and seminars aiming to provide the students with a broad understanding of the relationship between society and environmental issues. These lectures are supplemented by a lecture presenting relevant databases and statistical methods that the students can use to analyze citizens’ environmental attitudes and behaviors. This lecture also provides guidelines on how to conduct a basic policy document analysis as well as a systematic literature review in order to examine a specific theme or issue. After the lectures, the students should select a specific theme or research question for the examination essay. The course has a strong emphasis on independent work and active student participation.
Examination modes
The examination consists of writing an essay and presenting it at a seminar (compulsory). In order to be examined on the course, students must turn in an essay and attend all compulsory sessions indicated in the course schedule.
Hannigan John A. Environmental sociology 3. ed. : London : Routledge : 2014 : xiv, 243 p. : ISBN: 9780415661898 (pbk.) : Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
