FNP-32806 Science and Expertise in Nature and Environment

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Introductory courses on the social and policy aspects of environmental governance, forest and nature conservation and natural resource management.

Contents:

Note COURSE WILL START IN 2011/2012
Environmental governance, forestry, nature conservation and natural resource management are practices in which scientific knowledge and expertise play a key role. However, these issues are also characterized by competing values and perspectives, interests and claims. Scientific knowledge is not the only factor of influence and it can play different roles in these processes. This course prepares future practitioners for how to deal with this by:
- outlining the different roles of science and expertise in policy and society;
- introducing related state of the art theories and concepts, including the relation between science and lay knowledge, uncertainties, epistemic communities and transdisciplinarity;
- illustrating the roles, theories and concepts by means of empirical cases;
- discussing the question of what is science by introducing some basic notions in philosophy and sociology of science, including boundary work;
- stimulating discussion and critical reflection on which roles are possible, suitable and appropriate in which situations and under which conditions.
We discuss and illustrate various theories and concepts using relevant cases in developed and developing countries and on the global and local level. Guest lecturers will share their experiences about their role as a scientist in society by presenting cases and by reflecting on challenges and opportunities.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course you are expected to be able to:
- explain the essential characteristics of four different roles of science in policy including challenges and opportunities;
- explain how these four roles fit with different policy problems or contexts;
- link these roles to the relevant theories and concepts discussed in the course;
- link empirical examples to roles, theories and concepts;
- critically evaluate scientific articles and discuss them during lectures and/or in groups;
- explain the concept of boundary work and discuss the implications for the role of science and for the question of 'what is science';
- develop balanced and well grounded arguments.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- addressing small assignments and critical thinking questions;
- actively participating in plenary or group discussions;
- self study of scientific articles.

Examination:

Based on a written exam.

Literature:

Will be made available through Eduweb.