Course content

Among the topics covered by the course: *History of geographical thought: From environmental determinism to political ecology. *Social nature; Social constructivism and environmental narratives. *Institutions, norms and collective action and the idea of the ‘community’ as basis for natural resource management. *Hazards and vulnerability. Vulnerability; a useful concept or just another way of labelling?: Vulnerability analysis in practice*Environmental conservation and development; from ‘Fortress conservation’ to ‘Conservation and development’? *Changing rural livelihoods and livelihood analysis; from farm to non-farm and implications for the rural environments. * Environment and conflicts. The ‘Environment’ as basis for conflicts.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to give student an understanding of the links between development, environment and environmental change and (rural) livelihood in African and Asian societies.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures: 14 hours. Groupwork and presentations (obligatory). Please note that the course may be cancelled due to the teaching capacity at the Department of Geography if less than 5 students register for the course. Check www.ntnu.no/geografi/studentinformasjon for updated information.

Compulsory assignments

• Groupwork and presentation

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor in social science. Other relevant qualifications can be accepted upon approval by the Department of Geography.