Human Predicament

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Aims

The course has an interdisciplinary and global perspective. It aims to provide knowledge about the state of the world and the threats to human existence. To give deepened understanding of environment and development problems, as well as their effect on society and nature. To encourage reflection and ethical responsibility, to stimulate understanding of the connections between the academic disciplines of the students and to show possible solutions in a positive way.

Content

Introduction: Threats - the challenge of humanity. Human impact on nature throughout history. Philosophy, ethics and environment. Humans as a cultural and biologocal creature. - cultural and social aspects. Population, resources and environmental degradation: Health and the environment. Global environmental problems. Energy. Society and the environment: international conflict and environment. Sustainable development – a condition for the survival of civilisation? Economy and the Environment. Environmental opinion. Politics and the environment.

Instruction

Lectures including discussion in evnings once a week. The lectures are made up by two parts, one presentation by the guest lecture and one discussion and the student must attend both parts. The student is expected to read before each lecture, according to the literature reading schdule.

Assessment

Grades are pass/fail. To pass, a minimum of 75 % attendance is required, and a 4-10 page paper has to be completed and approved. The paper should cover a specific issue in the course. A written exam or a presentation in the end of the course.