Economic Geography: Sustainability Transitions and the Circular Economy

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

Economic geography is concerned with the spatial dimension of economic activity and emphasizes the central role of regions for innovation and change. The course explores the intersections between regional innovation and ecological sustainable development. It spans both theoretical and practical dimensions. The course introduces theories that capture regional innovation, sustainability transitions and the circular economy. The course discusses regional approaches to address ecological sustainability, as well as their potentials and limitations.

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

1. describe current ecological grand challenges and their development over time and space,
2. explain key concepts that address regional sustainability transitions and the circular economy,
3. apply central terms and theories that address regional sustainability transitions and the circular economy to real-world examples,
4. discuss and reflect upon the potential and limitations of regions to promote circular economy and ecological sustainability.

Lectures, seminars, and excursion.
Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes 1-4 are examined through an individual written exam. 
Learning outcomes 3 and 4 are also examined through a group assignment which is presented and discussed orally at a seminar, and submitted in a written group report.

Compulsory attendance:
Participation in the seminar, excursion and guest lectures is mandatory. Students who are unable to attend a regular mandatory component may be granted a make-up assignment, which must be completed within the specified time frame. Students who miss more than half of the mandatory course components cannot pass the course.

• 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 as well as a Pass (G) of the group report including seminar participation and discussion. The compulsory elements of the course must also be achieved.

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 theoretica depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

Some occasional examination elements of the course may have the grading scale UG (Fail/Pass).

A course evaluation is conducted anonymously either digitally via the course website or via a written questionnaire handed out at the last scheduled meeting of the course or in connection with the exam. The results of the evaluation are to be communicated to students via the course committee and course website. 

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The School of Business, Economics and Law has an AI policy regarding the use of generative AI or similar tools. General rules and guidelines for the use of such tools are published and updated on the course's learning platform together with specific provisions applicable to this course.