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