SUM4013 – History of Environmentalism: Aspects of the Philosophy of Nature
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This module deals with the historical origins and development of environmental and developmental debates. It discusses the various ways understanding history comes into play in current debates. Perspectives on risk, global change, north/south divide, as well as biotechnology and the project of dominating nature are dealt with from the view of history of environmentalism as well as environmental history. This module also looks at the impact of environmental movements, their actions and their relationship with other social institutions, political parties and governments. Among the questions raised are: Does the globalisation of environmental problems pose essentially new political challenges? Does politicising nature change the nature of nature? To what extent do institutions and media generate or modify attitudes to nature?
Learning outcome
- To provide students with a thorough theoretical understanding of the challenge of sustainability, with an emphasis on cultural perspectives and environmental values
- To introduce students to the complexities of interdisciplinary research
- To develop students’ skills in, and knowledge of, philosophical argumentation, historical processes and cultural understanding of environmental problems
- To use the ongoing case studies provided by SUM researchers to provide practical training to those who may go on to careers in research and policy areas
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The Masters study is directed at students with a background in humanities, social sciences or the natural sciences. The minimum requirement for admission is that the students must have a bachelor’s degree (equivalent at least to a good second class honours degree from a reputable university). Students must also have a good working knowledge of English. Those whose language of instruction at school and university was not English must produce evidence of a TOEFL score of at least 580 (paper based) or 237 (computer based) and TWE of 4.5, or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no individual band below 6.
Teaching
Lectures
Examination
Portfolio assessment
Other
Contacts: Study consultant Gitte Egenberg - gitte.egenberg@sum.uio.no or course coordinator Peter Burgess - peter.burgess@sum.uio.no