Learning outcome

After completing the course, the students should have the following qualification regarding knowledge, skills, and general competence:

• Have knowledge about research methods and processes
• Have knowledge about various perceptions of nature values and positions in environmental philosophy
• Be able to describe different challenges related to science
• Be able to formulate good research questions and write scientific reports
• Be able to present own work in a good way
• Be able to discuss different perceptions of nature values within biological, cultural and historical contexts.

Be able to argue for stands in environmental ethics based on knowledge of different positions in environmental philosophy

Course Description

Basic topics:

- History: understaning of nature, nature-based religions, attitudes towards the natural environment and the premises of earlier cultures and the development of a more enlightened view of the natural environment.

· Environmental philosophy and ethics: nature and freedom, animal protection, the environment as a legal entity, ecophilosophy, deep ecology and sustainable development.

· Outdoor life and experiencing nature: social-psychological and environmental-psychological perspectives, intrinsic value and cultural heritage.

· Art: Various art-forms, cultural understanding and nature, interpretation and expression.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures
• Mandatory discussion seminar with student presentations in groups
• Individual term paper. One mandatory supervision in student groups and presentation of the paper.

Assessment Methods

Grades will be given for two examinations: a semester assignment will count for 40% and a 3-hour written final examination will count for 60% of the final grade.

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