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.

The course gives a broad overview of regional economic development in the Nordic countries. Focus are the basic location patterns of economic activities in the Nordic countries, and their evolution since the Second Industrial Revolution. Theories in economic geography are used to explain the patterns and three broad perspectives are considered: the firm perspective, the industry perspective and the regional perspective. The course combines historical and contemporary dimensions.

After passing the course, students shall be able to:

1. describe the most important characteristics of regional economic development in the Nordic countries, 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 and industry competitiveness,
3. apply a selected part of the theoretical and empirical course content in the analysis of a selected theme, relevant to regional economic development in the Nordic countries.

Lectures, seminars and, where practicable, an excursion.

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 are examined through two group assignments, oral presentations, as well as an individual written exam.

An assignment that does not meet the requirements for Pass (G) needs to be revised in order to meet the minimum requirements. A revised assignment must be submitted for re-assessment within the prescribed time.

Compulsory attendance: During the course, there may be lectures, seminars and an excursion where attendance is compulsory. A student who does not attend a mandatory element of the course may be granted a make-up assignment, which must be completed within the specified time frame. A student who has been absent from more than one of the mandatory course components cannot pass the course.

Due to resource constraints, seminars and excursion can only be performed and assessed within the course dates.

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 Pass (G) of the group assignments including presentation and discussion. The compulsory elements of the course must also be achieved. The course grade (A-F) is based on the written exam.

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.

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.