Course content

In many contexts, Africa has been presented as a continent where the interplay between people and environment is especially problematic. In the daily press as well as in educational literature, Africa is reported as a continent characterized by drought, deforestation, water shortage and a struggle for natural resources, and with cultural and politically conditioned traditions that are a hindrance to development. Although such problems are most prominent in many places, it is equally clear that conditions are varied and the causal relations complex. The course aims to give an introduction to a few central approaches to problems connected to the relation between people and environmental issues in Africa. Emphasis will be put on the discussion and presentation of the geographical spread of various phenomena, possible causal relations and attempts that may be utilized to resolve the problems.

Learning outcome

To give students an introduction to some central problems connected to the interaction between people and environment in Africa.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching method and activities: 16 lectures, 8 seminars with film.
Form of assessment: Compulsory written exercise (semesteroppgave), 6 hours written exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory written exercise

Recommended previous knowledge

AFR1000

Required previous knowledge

None

Credit reductions