Sustainability Science and Expertise: Sociological Perspectives
Summary
How can sociology contribute to sustainability research? How do the challenges of ecological crisis call for new patterns of science and society relations including the creation of new forms of research and application of knowledge? How can different perspectives from environmental sociology and the sociology of science contribute to the struggles for a ‘just’ transition? These are central questions in this course.
About
The intent of this course is to study, evaluate, and debate the potential for sociology to analyze and address environmental problems. This will be explored by examining social science approaches to environmental issues (emphasizing sociology), their effectiveness for researching and analyzing ecological concerns and sustainability, what they contribute and/or neglect, and how we can apply them to ongoing concerns.
Attention will also be given to the ways sociology can be employed to provide an integrative framework for analyzing socioecological issues and potentially provide a bridge connecting the sciences.
Who should apply?
This course suits those who wish to deepen their knowledge about environmental issues and concerns, and especially how sociology can be used to understand their causes and effects, while also learning about the potential for social science to adress environmental concerns.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires at least 15 credits in sociology at the second-cycle level or equivalent prior knowledge. In addition to this, a knowledge of the English language, the equivalent of English level 2/English B/English 6, is also required.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
This course can be used to complete a Master’s degree in Sociology. After graduation, you can work on social issues within government agencies, non-profit organisations, companies or local authorities. Examples of job titles include researcher, case officer, coordinator and project manager. A Master’s degree also qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies.
Facilities
Teaching takes place in the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences in the Haga district in central Gothenburg. Lectures and seminars within "Campus Haga" are held in the buildings Dragonen and Sappören (Sprängkullsgatan) as well as Husaren (Husargatan).
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
Students taking stand-alone courses have excellent opportunities to take part in exchange programmes. The only requirement is that the courses you take abroad must be eligible for credit towards a future degree at the University of Gothenburg.
