Inequality, crisis and natural disasters

The course is given as an in-depth course at the bachelors level.

The course can be part of the following programs: 1) Bachelors' programme in Sustainable Development, Societal Change, and Climate Transformation (S1HSK) and

2) Bachelors' programme in Global Studies (S1GLS)

Admission to the course requires passed core course of 15 credits in Global development studies alternatively, completed 45 credits in Global Studies.

Understanding inequality is central to understanding processes of change. The course provides an overview of different perspectives on inequality: how we understand and define inequality, how inequality is reproduced, and what actions can be taken to address inequality. More specifically, the course explores how societal inequality manifests itself by studying crises and disasters as such emergencies expose inequality of various kinds, The course addresses questions of what can be done to prevent crises and disasters. We pay particular attention to crises triggered by climate-related natural disasters such as floods, droughts and storms. These are often presented as purely natural phenomena when in fact their causes are strongly related to human and social factors. These events are characterised by uncertainty where decisions have to be made quickly. In relation to these disasters, issues of vulnerability and resilience take centre stage, which in turn are related to issues of inequality; anyone can be affected by a disaster, but some people live in more vulnerable conditions (and are more severely affected) than others. In other words, disasters, which are increasingly important to understand and address because they are the result of unsustainable forms of development and climate change and lack of adaptation, are events that can teach us something about social inequality, its intersectional composition and how we can work on prevention. The students practice conducting applied research by writing an evaluation of a disaster response.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• Define inequality based on different theoretical approaches, including an intersectional perspective;
• Explain how inequality is actualised in crises and natural disasters;

Competence and skills

• Analyse crises and natural disasters based on theories of inequality, vulnerability and resilience;
• Critically examine and evaluate disaster interventions based on theories of inequality, vulnerability and resilience;

Judgement and approach

• Reflect on issues of environmental justice in the context of natural disasters;
• Problematise structural and practical obstacles and opportunities in the work of preventing crises and natural disasters.

Teaching consists mainly of lectures, seminars, individual writing exercises and group work.

Language of instruction: English

Examination takes place through an individual written submission (6 credits), 1 group exercise (3 credits) and an individual written assignment consisting of evaluating a disaster response (6 credits). The course also includes compulsory elements in the form of seminars in connection with these assignments. In case of absence from a compulsory part, a written supplementary assignment is carried out.

Any restrictions regarding the use of generative AI (genAI) applications are indicated on the course's Canvas page (or equivalent). Students are obliged to inform themselves about the applicable rules for written assignments, seminar tasks, and exams in the current 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: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The written individual written assignments will be graded on the basis of a 12-grade scale there 7 are Pass (G) and 10 is Pass with distinction (VG).

In order to receive a Pass on the course, the student must actively participate in seminars and group assignments and receive at least the grade Pass on the indivdual written assignments. To receive the grade Pass with distinction in the course, it been in addition required that the student may on an average 10 credits (rounded up) on the two written individual assignments.

The course coordinator is responsible for systematically and regularly collecting the students' views of the course, and for making sure that the results of the evaluations in different forms are taken into consideration when developing the course.