Geography

This course introduces conceptual approaches for understanding the myriad relationships between human societies and their biophysical environments. It addresses three key questions. First, how are nature and society interconnected? Second, what theoretical and methodological approaches can be used to study nature-society relationships? Third, how can societal relationships with nature be improved in ways that are sustainable and just? These questions will be explored using different social theories, particularly from the interdisciplinary field of political ecology, which will be applied to contemporary environmental issues. Students will learn how to critically think, discuss, and write about complex nature-society interactions.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer systems for the collection, storage, visualization, and display of geographically referenced information. A GIS can be used to ask and answer complex questions that have a spatial component. This course utilizes GIS to examine spatial data in relation to a range of environmental and socioeconomic issues. This course introduces GIS using a popular desktop package called ArcGIS 10.x. Students use this software and some additional programs, called ‘extensions,’ for vector and raster (grid-based) analysis. The course is problem-based. Students solve problems using the GIS and  demonstrate their new knowledge through homework projects, practical exams, and a research project.

This lecture-based course integrates theories and practices of environment and society as reflected in contemporary governance debates. The course explores the science and politics of environmental governance, examining the historical and contemporary practices by which human uses of natural resources have been governed. It analyses the knowledges, models, and theories that make up scientific understandings of biodiversity conservation, particularly participative and economic concepts and rationales. Through these areas, and drawing upon debates from various literatures, the course critically interrogates the ways in which human uses of natural resources in protected areas are considered as governable.

What are the consequences of increasing processes of globalization and individualization for mobility and transport? Which problems occur from these developments in the field of health, social equity, and sustainability? How relevant is daily mobility for the performance of individuals and households? How can transport geography contribute to solve and mitigate mobility related problems? In view of constantly diversifying spatial-temporal relations and interdependencies, the course answers these questions by explaining trends and aspects of mobility in an urban and global context. Students acquire basic knowledge of processes and factors that lead to the demand for and development of mobility. This enables the identifying effects occurring from current transport developments and to evaluate strategies and measures targeting related problems. The set of lectures focuses on characteristics of different types and modes of travel, theoretical approaches, and practical concepts in the field of transport geography. Combined with a GIS practical and group work to apply these approaches and related knowledge, the course delivers insights into topical issues in the field of transport policy and planning. Note that an early exit for international students is possible. However, to receive 5 ECTS the students must attend the written exam and hand-in an additional individual assignment to compensate not attended tests, practicals, lectures or group assignments.