To enable an in-depth understanding of complex social-ecological systems we explore theory and case studies in preparation for students thesis research project. Globalisation means that ecosystem management is affected by drivers (social, economic, ecological) at various scales (local to global). Adaptation and governance at different scales are, therefore, crucial for our understanding of resilience in social-ecological systems. The programme aims to enhance the student´s knowledge of the complex interactions between ecosystem dynamics and human activities at different scales; focusing on ecosystem management in the context of change and uncertainty. Students are introduced to different research approaches and methods for studying coupled social and ecological systems.
Programme layout
The first year consists of six compulsory courses (7.5 cr/ECTS each), and 15 cr/ECTS-worth of elective courses. The Stockholm Resilience Centre has developed, in collaboration with several departments at Stockholm University, six unique courses for this purpose.
The second year is mainly spent writing a Master´s thesis (52.5 — 60 cr/ECTS). Students can spend most of this year abroad doing fieldwork and may have an assistant supervisor at another university.
About the six compulsory first-year courses
Philosophy of Science for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Analysing and responding to today´s pressing environmental conflicts requires an integrated and interdisciplinary approach. Awareness of our own assumptions and those of scholars trained in other disciplines are needed.
Resilience, Vulnerability and Adaptability (7.5 cr/ECTS)
This course introduces the participants to the emerging research area with the same name. Different perspectives on complex adaptive systems and their resilience, vulnerability and adaptability are discussed by international experts representing various disciplines.
Ecosystem Management (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Lectures discuss concepts such as ecological resilience, complex adaptive systems, functional biodiversity, threshold effects, multiple stable domains, cross-scale interactions and social-ecological systems, as well as key challenges for natural resource management in an increasingly globalised world.
Adaptive Governance of Social-Ecological Systems (7.5 cr/ECTS)
We focus on institutional and organisational aspects of ecosystem management, in particular how governance can enable adaptive co-management. Other key concepts that are analysed include collaboration in social networks, leadership, social capital, vulnerability and social resilience, i.e. the human adaptive capacity to absorbe environmental change.
International Governance of Ecosystem Management (7.5 cr/ECTS)
This course takes a macro-perspective on ecosystem management regimes. International law, multi-level governance regimes, institutional interaction, partnerships, global initiatives and social globalisation are analysed.
Social-Ecological Resilience: Applications (7.5 cr/ECTS)
This course draws on theories from earlier courses in the Master´s programme Ecosystems, Governance and Globalisation. Strengths and weaknesses of case study methodology are discussed and the participants write an individual Resilience Paper based on a case study of their own choice.
