Learning outcome

After completing the course the student should have the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and competences:

Knowledge

• to define, explain and critically relate to key concepts such as “sustainable tourism”, “ecotourism”, “green tourism”, “nature-based tourism” and “responsible tourism”
• to acquire general knowledge about “tourism” and “environment” as phenomenon and concept
• to acquire knowledge and problems related to the different dimensions of sustainability and sustainable tourism (the triple bottom line)
• to acquire an understanding of tourism’s impact on the environment and environmental impacts on tourism
• to acquire some basic knowledge about certification of ecotourism companies

Skills

• to acquire knowledge about how to analyze and present the problems related to sustainable tourism in theory and in practice

General competence

• understand tourism’s benefits and dilemmas from ecological, economic, visual and socio-cultural point of views.
• reflect on the ethical dimensions of sustainability and social responsibility in tourism
• meeting stakeholders from the practice field by at least one study visit

Course Description

The course will address environmental as well as economic, social and cultural issues related to tourism, both at the national and the international level. The fact that tourism tend to destroy their resource base will be a key topic of the course, as well as how “sustainable tourism” might be one solution to this problem if it is managed in a good way. Terms and genres of “sustainable tourism”, for example "responsible tourism", "green tourism" and "ecotourism", will be discussed and critically examined. The course will discuss problems with environmental destruction in vulnerable areas, such as protected areas. The tourism industry and the ‘greenhouse effect’ will also be emphasized. In addition, the physical and visual qualities of tourism environments will be discussed.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Normally, the course contains of 3 hours per week in the spring semester. In case there is a need to compress the term, it may be necessary to increase hours per week accordingly to a shorter period of time. Lectures and discussion tasks are related to case studies. Students will work in groups of three students or more throughout the semester. The task for each group is to make one short Powerpoint presentation related to the themes of the lectures. The Powerpoint-slides has to be delivered electronically in advance to the lecturer. One or two groups will subsequently (and randomly) be selected for a short oral presentation. Towards the end of the semester, there is a course requirement that has to be fulfilled in which all groups make one more presentation each as part of the summary.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation of the following elements: a) an oral group assignment including a Powerpoint presentation is a course requirement. The Powerpoint-presentation will be presented to other students. In case one student is absent on the day of presentation, the student will have to do a written summery of the presentation instead. The group assignment must be approved by the lecturer in order to do the final exam. b) The final individual written exam at home (100%).

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean