Economic Geography: Economic Geography of the Nordic Countries

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

Completed courses of at least 30 credits in Social Sciences.

In the course, a broad overview is given covering the economic development of Sweden and the Nordic countries and the basic location patterns of economic activities in the Nordic countries. Theories in Economic Geography are used to explain the patterns. Three perspectives are compared: the firm perspective, the industry perspective and the regional perspective. The impact of regional policies are also discussed. A description is also made of the dependence on the global economy of Nordic industries through foreign trade. A mandatory one day excursion is included in the course. By means of field studies, the aim of the excursion is to give a direct insight into the location conditions of economic activities in west Sweden.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. describe the most important characteristics of the economy of the Nordic countries and its location patterns, with a more thorough description of conditions in Sweden,
2. explain how local and regional conditions in the Nordic countries contribute to the creation of firm competitiveness,
3. apply a selected part of the theoretical and empirical content through analysis of the development of a Nordic industry and a Nordic region.

Lectures, seminars and excursion.

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 are examined through written group assignments, oral presentations, as well as an individual written exam. Attendance at seminars with presentations is mandatory. For students who have not been able to attend the seminars, an extra opportunity will be provided. A student that cannot participate in the excursion needs to complete a special make-up assignment within the prescribed time.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).
To pass the course, a student must have achieved all learning outcomes. This means a passing grade (A-E) on the individual written exam and Pass (G) on written group assignments including oral presentations. The compulsory elements of the course must also be completed. Points on the written exam and the group report are added together and translated to grade (A-F) for the course.

Grade (Definition) Characteristic:
A (Excellent) A distinguished result that is excellent with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

B (Very good) A very good result with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

C (Good) The result is of a good standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought and lives up to expectations.

D (Satisfactory) The result is of a satisfactory standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

E (Sufficient) The result satisfies the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought, but not more.

F (Fail) The result does not meet the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

Some occasional examination elements of the course may have the grading scale UG.

Course evaluation is anonymous and is issued either via the learning platform or via a written questionnaire at the last timetabled lesson or at the examination.
The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who are starting the course.