Course syllabus
Grön ekonomi - lärdomar från Skandinavien
Greening the Economy – Lessons from Scandinavia
SASI01, 7,5 credits, G1 (First Cycle)
Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2020-03-23
General Information
Main field: Enviromental Management and Policy. Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements.
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
Aim
This course is a Special Area Studies course provided for
exchange students, and regular students, within Lund University.
Greening the Economy – lessons from Scandinavia is an
interdisciplinary course that addresses sustainability, climate
change and how to combine economic development with a healthy
environment. The aim of the course is to allow students to explore
greening the economy on four levels – individual, business, city,
and nation, and look at the relationships between these levels.
Practical examples of the complexities and solutions across each
level are discussed. A particular focus is placed on examples from
Scandinavia, a pioneering place in advancing sustainability and
combating climate change, and a unique starting point for learning
about greening the economy.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- Be able to describe the basic challenges involved in
implementation of the Green Economy
- Be able to describe and contrast basic concepts, strategies
and technologies that can enable the green economy
- Analyze, evaluate and make critical judgements on various
strategies and approaches in greening the economy.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute course assignments
within given time limits, using relevant methods for completing the
assignment.
- Demonstrate the ability to present, in written or oral form,
a coherent and sustained argument related to a given question or
problem of relevance to the course content.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
Be able to reflect upon how individual choices, business
strategies, sustainable cities and national policies can promote or
hinder greening the economy.
Contents
The course is comprised of five modules,
Introduction: what is a green economy and why is it
important?
- In the first module we discuss the key issues that a green
economy seeks to address and the underlying concepts and
definitions of a greener economy. The aim is to provide students
with an understanding of the problems arising from the interaction
of the economy and the environment; the concept of a green economy
and related concepts and indicators.
Individual choices
- In this module we discuss how individual choices can help or
hinder progress towards a green economy. The aim is for students
gain an understanding of patterns and levels of consumption;
looking at theories of consumer behavior and the limitations of
working with consumer choice in isolation.
Business strategies
- This module focus on the business level and how companies and
organisations choose strategies that can help transitions to a
green economy. The aim is to provide students with an understanding
of challenges for companies that want to take a lead in the
transition to a greener economy; and of strategies for green
business in different contexts.
Sustainable cities
- In this module we will look at how planning and designing
cities can help achieve a green economy and underpin sustainable
development. The aim is that students should understand the role of
cities in relation to experimentation, planning, collaboration and
visions for a greener economy.
National policies
- The final module focus on how national governments can
establish policies to promote a greener economy across the
different levels discussed in this course. The aim is that students
will gain an understanding of how national level policies affect
cities, business, and individuals and be able to critically reflect
upon the challenges for national level policies to influence other
levels, including the international sphere.
The course involves lectures, seminars, a paper and smaller
group assignments. Seminars are compulsory, and active
participation required to pass the course.
Examination details
Grading scale: UV - (U,G,VG) - (Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction)
Assessment: Active participation in study visits, seminars and case discussions is mandatory. In order to pass the course, the student must also complete all course assignments. The final grade is based on the mark received on the written take-home exam (50%), mark received for the course project report and presentation (30%) and participation in quizzes and peer feedback (20%)
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Admission
Admission requirements:
- These courses belong to the First Cycle of the European Bologna system. This is equivalent to undergraduate/bachelor’s level in other systems. Apart from basic qualifications to study at undergraduate level no other prerequisites are required
The number of participants is limited to: No
Reading list
- Course on the course web page.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Kes McCormick, kes.mccormick@iiiee.lu.se
Course homepage: https://www.iiiee.lu.se/education/special-area-studies-sas