Course syllabus

Styrning för hållbarhet
Governance of Sustainability

EXTP65, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2015/16
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2015-04-15

General Information

Main field: Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation.
Compulsory for: MKAT1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course aims to facilitate the students understanding of theoretical and ideological assumptions of different types of governance systems, as well as of how currently practiced governance models address real-world sustainability challenges. In addition it aims to facilitate the students ability to assess the benefits and shortcomings of existing governance regimes in relation to sustainability.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate a deeper understanding of the theoretical and ideological assumptions of different types of governance systems, based on market, state regulation, and civil society (including the role of business and social movements) and their relevance to sustainability;
• demonstrate an awareness of several currently practiced governance models addressing real-world sustainability challenges at different levels (local, national, regional, global) and in different scales (spatial and temporal);

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate the ability to assess the benefits and shortcomings of existing governance regimes with reference to particular sustainability indicators, as well as the capacity to propose alternative governance measures while recognizing their alternative benefits and shortcomings.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate capability to identify her/his need for further knowledge

Contents

The course discusses different theoretical approaches to governance, different governance models in terms of scales and levels, and how successfully various governance regimes deal with concrete sustainability challenges. The focus will be on:

• History of the development of the concept of governance and its discontents;
• Basic approaches to governance and their theoretical foundation in social theory (market, collective action, state regulation, business initiatives, NGOs, social movements, etc.)
• Various governance models currently practiced with regard to pressing sustainability challenges.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Consistent, regular class attendance and fully engaged participation is expected from all students. Attendance at the sessions where graded course activities take place is compulsory to pass the course. For a passing grade the student must (a) have an overall passing mark on the individual assignments; (b) have an overall pass on combined group work and individual assignments; (c) have participated in the mandatory sessions; Students who fail a test have the right to re-examination. An opportunity for re-examination will be offered after the end of the course. If necessary, a second re-examination will be arranged at a later date. A student who has taken two examinations in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Students getting pass mark cannot re-take an exam or re-submit a paper to get a higher grade.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• Adger, Neil and Andrew Jordan: Governing Sustainability. Cambridge University Press, 2009. Some chapters from the book (in total approx. 400 pages from the two books).
• Delmas, Magali A. and Oran R. Young: Governance for the Environment – New Perspectives. Cambridge University Press, 2009. Some chapters from the book (in total approx. 400 pages from the two books).
• Collection of articles, reports, and chapters from books. Approx. 300 pages.
• Special reading , Selected reading corresponding to particular lectures, individual and group assignment. Approx. 400 pages.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Turaj Faran, turaj.faran@lucsus.lu.se