YH00EM14 Social Scientific Environmental Studies: Theories and Methods (5 cr)
Cooperation network course
Network: National doctoral courses
Available for: Doctoral studies
This course is offered through the Network for Doctoral Studies. These studies are available for doctoral degree students studying in the University of Jyväskylä.
Description
The course presents several theories on ontological politics, political ecology, environmental governance, deliberative democracy and includes discussions on methodological approaches such as institutional analysis, discourse analysis, action research, the case study approach as well as mix-method approach. The methods introduced are e.g. group interview, context specific impact analysis, participatory methods and analysis of knowledge practices, discourses and policies. Each topic is illustrated by examples. Examples are drawn from natural resources management and governance, biodiversity conservation, environmental policy research, and environmental governance studies.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes:
The course is based on the premise that valid information and useful knowledge requires clarity in theory formulation and a methodological way of thinking.
After completing the course the student
- has learned how to analyze social scientific environmental issues by applying methods introduced during this course
- has an understanding of various theories and methods suitable for researching environmental issues from the social and political science point-of-view
- has working skills which are not only useful for research organizations and for scholars but are considered as important skills for consultants or the future experts working with governments administration or for example NGOs and INGOs.
Generic competences: Digitalization, Ethics, Internationality, Critical thinking, Identifying and developing one's own expertise, Communication skills
Additional information
Teachers:
Timo Haapasalo, Irmeli Mustalahti and invited teachers.
Time:
Spring semester
Campus:
Joensuu
Further information:
The language of instruction for this course is English. First lectures and final seminar are compulsory. All students need to carry out writing and reading outside of course sessions throughout the course. Write reflections after each lecture (submitted via eLarning portal). The deadline for final course diary including all reflections written during the course is announced during the course (submitted via eLearning portal). The final course diary (max 10 pages font 12, line spacing 1,5) is based on the lecture notes, course reflections, course readings and some additional literature (students’ own literature search). In end of the final course diary, remember to evaluate your own course participation (credit 1-5) as well as reflect how you could use course knowledge in future (max 1 page).
Description of prerequisites
Bachelor level basic studies in field of social science, environmental issues or related subjects. Maximum of 30 students and the students from environmental policy will be prioritized. NOTE: registration in December.