300159 Introduction into development and environmental change (S) (WiSe 2014/2015)

The seminar provides for four block sessions. The first block looks at the macro level and introduces into development theories as well as into competing theories of environment-population relationships. The second block concentrates on the micro-level and explores into the sustainable livelihood and capability approach, which have been crucial in linking the micro-level with the paradigm of sustainable development. The third block illustrates the various theoretical conceptions of environment population relationships by looking deeper into the interlinkage between environmental change and migration. The fourth block, finally, explores into the livelihood approach by discussing case studies that approach the nexus between environmental change and migration from different angles.

Requirements for participation, required level

It is essential that all students read the indicated literature in preparation of the seminar sessions. Students are required to attend the introductory session and to actively participate in all four block sessions. Students should be interested in theoretical perspectives on development and environmental change and its relationship and in the debate about the consequences of environmental change on human migration, which will be used as an example.