Modul 11: MASTER THESIS Module Schedule M.Sc. Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security Modul M1: INTRODUCTION Introduction to Earth System Science - or alternatively - Introduction to Society and Development (depending on previous education) Introduction to theories & concepts of Risk, Vulnerability, Resilience and Human Security and to key discourses and policy processes of important international organizations MODUL M2: PRESENTATION AND WRITING SKILLS Modul M4: NEW CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT Modul M6: RISK: FROM MANAGEMENT TO GOVERNANCE Modul M10: INTERNSHIP Final report and presentation (15 min); digitally captured and distributed via internet 1. Semester 2. Semester 3. Semester 4. Semester 12 CP; 4 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS Modul M5: NEW APPROACHES IN EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE 6 CP; 2 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS Modul M7: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS Different assessment approaches and their relevance in vulnerability and risk reduction as well as resilience building (indicator development, vulnerability & risk assessment, risk methods) Decision making/decision support at different scales and with regard to different crises phenomena 12 CP; 4 SWS Modul M8: BEST PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION UN and other international organizations, structures and mechanisms, and Standard Operating Procedures 6 CP; 2 SWS MODUL M9: RESEARCH PROJECT AND PRACTICAL TRAINING Regionally focused, project oriented, problem based learning 12 CP; 4 SWS 30 CP 12 CP Modul M3: RESEARCH METHODS Qualitative and participatory research Inter- and transdisciplinary methods 12 CP; 4 SWS UNU-EHS
Transcript
Modul 11: MASTER THESIS
Module Schedule M.Sc. Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
Modul M1: INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Earth System Science −or alternatively − Introduction to Society and Development (depending on previous education)
Introduction to theories & concepts of Risk, Vulnerability, Resilience and Human Security and to key discourses and policy processes of important international organizations
MODUL M2: PRESENTATION AND WRITING SKILLS
Modul M4: NEW CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF SOCIAL ECOLOGICALSYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT
Modul M6: RISK: FROM MANAGEMENT TO GOVERNANCE
Modul M10: INTERNSHIP
Final report and presentation (15 min); digitally captured and distributed via internet
1.Se
mes
ter
2.Se
mes
ter
3.Se
mes
ter
4.Se
mes
ter
12 CP; 4 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS
6 CP; 2 SWS
Modul M5: NEW APPROACHES IN EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
6 CP; 2 SWS 6 CP; 2 SWS
Modul M7: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS
Different assessment approaches and their relevance in vulnerability and risk reduction as well as resiliencebuilding (indicator development, vulnerability & risk assessment, risk methods)
Decision making/decision support at different scales and with regard to different crises phenomena
12 CP; 4 SWS
Modul M8: BEST PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONALDISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT ANDCLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
UN and other international organizations, structures and mechanisms, and Standard Operating Procedures
6 CP; 2 SWS
MODUL M9: RESEARCH PROJECT AND PRACTICAL TRAINING
Regionally focused, project oriented, problem based learning
12 CP; 4 SWS
30 CP
12 CP
Modul M3: RESEARCH METHODS
Qualitative and participatory researchInter- and transdisciplinary methods
12 CP; 4 SWS
UNU-EHS
Akkreditierungsbericht für den gemeinsamen Masterstudiengang Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
Anhang 8
Module Handbook
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
Addresses of contact offices: Rector’s Office of the University of Bonn Regina-Pacis-Weg 3
Institute of Geography of the University of Bonn Meckenheimer Alle 166 53115 Bonn Germany Tel.: +49 228 73-7290 Fax: +49 228 73-5393 E-mail: [email protected]
United Nations University Shibuya-ku Jingumae 5–53–70 Tokyo 150-8925 Japan Tel: +81 3 5467–1212 Fax: +81 3 3499–2828 E-mail: [email protected]
United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Overview
Module Units Contact hour
Credit (ECTS)
Semester Term Page
Module 1: Introduction 4 12 1st Fall
Introductory course either on earth system science or society and development
2 6
Introductory course on concepts and theories of human security, resilience, vulnerability and risk
2 6
Module 2: Presentation and writing skills 2 6 1st Fall
Course on presentation and writing skills
2 6
Module 3: Research methods 4 12 1st Fall
Course on qualitative and participatory research
2 6
Course on inter- and transdisciplinary methods
2 6
Module 4: Concepts and theories of social ecological systems and development
2 6 2rd Spring
Course on new concepts and theories of social ecological systems and development
2 6
Module 5: New approaches in earth system science 2 6 2rd Spring
Course on new approaches in earth system science
2 6
Module 6: Risk: from management to governance 2 6 2rd Spring
Course on risk governance 2 6
Module 7: Advanced research methods 4 12 2rd Spring
Course on risk assessment 2 6
Course on decision making and decision support methods
2 6
Module 8: Best practices and challenges in
international disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
2 6 3rd Fall
Course on best practices and
challenges in international disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
2 6
Module 9: Research project and practical training 4 12 3rd Fall
Research project including practical training
4 12
Module 10: Internship 0 12 2nd-4th Fall Spring
Work placement 0 10
Module 11: Master’s thesis 0 30 4th Spring
Master’s thesis 0 30
Total 30 120
Appendix: Semester breakdown of the programme’s module structure
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 1: Introduction
Module Name
Introduction
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M1 360 h 12 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Jörn Birkmann
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 1st
Learning outcomes Students are able to apply a set of key concepts and theories of risk,vulnerability and resilience as well as of earth system science to systematizeand examine environmental risks and challenges to human security
Key competencies Ability to discuss concepts and problems with the other course participants
Contents Course (a) Introductory course on concepts and theories of society Theories of society and social-ecological systems
OR
Course (b) Introductory course on earth system science Concepts in atmosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere,
and cryosphere science Physical, chemical, and biological processes and functions Interactions and feedbacks between the spheres Natural hazards
Course (c) Introductory course on concepts and theories of vulnerability,
risk and human security Different concepts and schools of thought of resilience Concepts and theories of vulnerability, risk and human security Overview of key discourses and policy processes dealing with vulnerability,
risk and resilience – including respective international organizations (IPCC,UNFCCC, UN/ISDR)
Dynamics of socio-economic trends and global change Preliminary introduction of theories to explain destabilization, stabilization and
reorganization processes in the context of environmental risks, crises anddisasters
Prerequisites None
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Compulsory depending on previous knowledge:
a) Introductory course on conceptsand theories of society
OR b) Introductory course on earth
system science Compulsory: c) Introductory course on concepts
and theories of vulnerability, risk and human security
12
12
24
2
2
2
180
180
180
6
6
6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
written examination graded
Assignments Active in-class discussion and participation, group-work and presentation
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 2: Presentation and writing skills
Module Name
Presentation, moderation & writing skills
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
2 180 h 6 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Sabine Tröger
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 1st
Targeted learning outcomes
Conceptualize academic argumentation in writing & presentation: Understand and conceptually reflect principles of target group oriented
presentations: Conceptualize and exercise target and situation oriented discourse
moderations; Understand & handle basic principles of visualization
Key competencies Readiness to reflect and accept target group specific needs in understandingof messages;
Ability to handle modern media & tools of presentation
Contents Exemplary analyses of master course related (risk an human security)academic arguments and studies;
Analyses of exemplary presentations, self- & buddy-evaluation of class works; Standard formats of academic writing; Principles & tools of visualization with relation to accessible media; Rules, principles & instruments of moderation.
Prerequisites None
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Course on presentation and writing skills
24 2 180 6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
none
Assignments Participation in in-class discussions, exemplary visualization & moderation tasks, elaboration of academic paper.
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 3: Research methods
Module Name
Research methods
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M3 360 h 12 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Mariele Evers
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 1st
Targeted learning outcomes
Knowledge on relevant and adequate basic qualitative, quantitative inter- andtransdisciplinary research methodological approaches Classify and interpretand critically reflect findings from empirical research
Application skills of selected research methods and tools Ability/capacity to develop and reflect empirical research designs Differentiate and to apply different methodological and analytic tools Explain the options and constraints of qualitative, inter- and transdisciplinary
research methods Understand and conceptualize participatory & target group defined field work; Reflect and conceptually differentiate between logics and philosophies of PRA
and PAR (participatory action research) approaches; Conceptualize participatory field work against exemplary problem & livelihood
constellations;
Key competences Knowledge on theories and methodology in empirical, participatory, inter- andtransdisciplinary research
General and application knowledge on selected methods and techniques Ability to design own research approach and critical reflect research
methodologies Ability to interpret and reflect findings and research work Knowledge in and reflection of discourse analysis (philosophies & instruments) ability & readiness to accept the ideal of participation on egalitarian grounds
(readiness to listen to and ‚hand over the stick’ to target groups
Contents philosophies & instruments of qualitative in general in juxtaposition toparticipatory research;
exemplary target group analyses instruments of document analysis Inter- and transdisciplinary methods (collaborative modeling, MCA, scenario
techniques, system theory and others) Case study analyses Research proposal writing; Practical training on participatory tools (incl. mock-field work!).
Prerequisites None
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
1 course on qualitative andparticipatory research
1 course on inter- andtransdisciplinary methods
24
24
2
2
180
180
6
6
Examinations
Examination mode(s) Grading options
Alternatives: Research proposal, course paper, project work documentation
Graded
Assignments Active in-class discussion and participation, presentations, field work
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 4: New Concepts and theories of social ecological systems and development
Module Name
New concepts and theories of social-ecological systems and development
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M4 180 h 6 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Detlef Müller-Mahn
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography, UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 2nd
Targeted learning outcomes
Overview of different directions of current theoretical debates about coupledsocial-ecological systems, social change and development
Knowledge of new approaches in Human Geography Understanding of coupling mechanisms between social and environmental
processes with respect to multi-dimensional and multi-scalar aspects andmethodological challenges
Key competencies Ability to discuss and critically assess current theoretical approaches and toapply them to specific research questions in the field of global change anddevelopment
Contents Literature review and content analysis of selected publications (guidedreading) on cutting-edge research about social-ecological systems anddevelopment
Introduction to social and cultural concepts of risk, global environmentalchange and development
Prerequisites Participation in module 1 & 2
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Advanced course on new concepts and theories of social-ecological systems and development with guided reading, research workshop and group work
24 2 180 6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
Course paper Graded
Assignments Active in-class discussion and participation, presentations
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 5: New approaches in earth system science
Module Name
New approaches in earth system science
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M5 180 h 6 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Bernd Diekkrüger
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 2nd
Targeted learning outcomes
To be able to follow contemporary discussions on environmental aspects indifferent regions as well as to be able to follow and critically evaluateinternational discussions on Global Environmental Change
To provide specific disciplinary process knowledge for studying Global Changecauses and effects and for solving emerging environmental problems
Key competencies Ability to acquire modern concepts in Earth System Science Ability to follow contemporary discussions on environmental aspects in
different regions and at different spatio-temporal scales
Contents New approaches on selected aspects of the Earth System Specific disciplinary focus on processes, patterns and functions of the
environment at different spatio-temporal scales Concept of ecosystem services and ecosystem functions (ESS/ESF) Regional distinctions of environmental aspects In depth knowledge of selected aspects of human impact on environmental
processes Causes and impacts of Global Environmental Change at different spatial and
temporal scales
Prerequisites Participation in module 1 & 2
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Advanced course on new approaches in earth system science
24 2 180 6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
Course paper Graded
Assignments Active in-class discussion and participation, presentations
Not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 6: Risk: from management to governance
Module Name Risk: from management to governance
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M6 180 h 6 CP 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Sabine Tröger
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 2nd
Targeted learning outcomes
Understanding of “governance” in a multi scalar and historic-dynamicperspective – from global to local, “governance” in a world of change,“governance” in diverting societal frameworks;
Understanding of the conceptual and philosophical shift: from riskmanagement to risk governance;
Ability and readiness to conceptualize “risk governance” in relation to theconstructivist character of “risk”;
Understanding and acceptance of the political character of “risk governance”in terms/times of societal transformation – political frameworks & institutions;
Capability to identify the major societal players to frame the risk; Capability to select “harms” for early warning; Understanding and conceptualizing adaptation/resilience as ultimate ratio of
“risk governance”.
Key competencies Readiness to accept and constructively handle the idea of (relative)uncertainty and constructivist images of risk;
Readiness to negotiate diverting ideas, concepts and evaluations; Readiness & ability to up-scale and eventually re-evaluate previous
experiences and concepts; Readiness to openly be confronted with and reflect perceptions and values of
new and previously not experienced cultural frameworks – interculturalcompetence
Contents Exemplary case studies of risk management – sectoral & regional; Exemplary case studies of risk governance in reflection of processes of
societal transformation in multi-scalar perspective; Good practice & normative aspects to set up/improve risk governance &
processes; Good practice in early warning and governance in national to local perspective Theories and exemplary analyses: psychology of risk perception and the idea
of self-efficiency in risk prevention; Assumption/analysis of exposure & definition of target groups of risk
intervention and governance; Values & evidences: the 2 sides of the coin of risk assessment and
governance.
Prerequisites None
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Course on risk management and governance
24 2 180 6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
Course paper Graded
Assignments
Active in-class discussion and participation, presentation of case study, moderation of course presentation, reflection and analysis of literature
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 7: Advanced research methods
Module Name
Advanced Research Methods
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M7 360 h 12 1 semester Every year
Module coordinator Klaus Greve
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 2nd
Learning outcomes In-depth understanding of problem oriented research methods Understanding and using appropriate methods for research design
regarding data collection and analysis, particularly focused on contemporaryqualitative and quantitative methods
Capability to formulate new research questions and apply the acquiredknowledge in the context of international organizations and mechanisms
Key competencies Detailed knowledge, critical understanding, strategies and the tools requiredto take an interdisciplinary approach towards environmental risks andhuman security
Ability to explain to explain different facets of insecurity, crises and disasterslinked to environmental hazards, climate change and societal changes
Contents Different assessment approaches and their relevance in vulnerability andrisk reduction as well as resilience building (indicator development,vulnerability & risk assessment, risk methods)
Decision making / decision support at different scales and with regard todifferent crises phenomena
Prerequisites Participation in module 1 & 3
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Couse on risk assessment Course on decision making and decision support methods
24
24
2
2
360
360
12
12
Examinations
Examination mode(s) Grading options
Alternatives: research proposal, course paper, project work documentation
Graded
Assignments
Active in-class discussion and participation, presentation of case study, moderation of course presentation, reflection of selected respective literature
not graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 8: Best practices and challenges in international disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
Module Name
Best practices and challenges in international disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M8 180 h 6 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Jörg Szarzynski
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 3rd
Learning outcomes Understanding structures and workflows within key organizations relatedto the topics of this Master programme
Understanding selected global and regional, in-situ and space-basedobserving systems around the world contributing to the continuousmonitoring of environmental risks and hazards
Key competencies Comprehensive knowledge of problem oriented research methods andpractical challenges that international organizations, particularly UNorganizations are dealing with
Knowledge of useful forecasting and decision support tools for localdecision makers
Contents Structures and mechanisms of UN and other international organizations Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) such as flash appeal, OSOCC, CERF Major international mechanisms to access space-based information and
geo-information services specifically dedicated to support all phases ofcrisis management
Prerequisites Participation in module 6
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Best practices and challenges in international disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
24 2 180 6
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
Course paper Graded
Assignments
Presentation of case study, moderation of course presentation, summary & reflection of selected respective literature
not Graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 9: Research project and practical training
Module Name
Module name: Research project and practical training
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M9 360 h 12 1 Semester Every year
Module coordinator Klaus Greve
Lecturer(s) Lecturers from Geography & UNU
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 3rd
Learning outcomes Understanding the principles of research related project management; Capability to formulate a research problem and to develop a research
design; Capability to identify and apply appropriate research methods; Ability to critically reflect and discuss empirical research results; Broadening the capability for professional documentation of research
processes and results; Understanding and conceptualizing the transfer of research results into
planning and debate
Key competencies Readiness to accept and adopt the principles of good scientific practice; Readiness and ability to critically reflect scientific practice and results; Readiness to interpret, discuss and communicate empirical findings and
their theoretical and methodological context
Contents Regionally focused, project oriented, problem based learning Instructor guided research project Introduction to project management Problem specific research planning and design Problem specific research methods Writing a research report
Prerequisites Participation in module 1 & 3
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
1 instructor guided research project 24 4 360 12
Examinations Examination mode(s) Grading options
Project report Graded
Assignments Presentation of the project not Graded
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 10: Internship
Module Name
Internship
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M10 360 h 12 8 weeks Half-yearly
Module coordinator Jörg Szarzynski
Lecturer(s) -
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 2nd – 4th
Learning outcomes Understanding structures and workflows within international keyorganizations related to the topics of this Master programme
Applying knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the Masterprogramme in a professional working environment
Experiencing first professional experiences within internationalorganizations or collaborative networks
Key competencies Process experience made during an internship in a professional workenvironment
Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work well in amulti-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect fordiversity;
Result-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritize work andmulti-tasking
Contents The internship may take place in any UN organisation, other internationalinstitutions or an organisation working in international cooperation inthematic fields relevant for this programme. The placement in UNorganisations is supportet by UNU-EHS.
Students choose their own work placement in fields relevant for thisMaster’s programme
Prerequisites None
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Internship in UN or other international organizations (8-12
weeks)
24 8 -12 weeks
360 12
Examinations
Examination mode(s) Grading options
Final report and presentation (15 min); digitally captured and distributed via internet
Not graded
Assignments
Other
M.Sc. Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
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Module 11: Master Thesis
Module Name
Master thesis
Module Number Workload Credit Points Duration Frequency
M11 900 h 30 1 Semester Half-yearly
Module coordinator Klaus Greve
Lecturer(s) -
Classification Programme Compulsory / Optional
Semester
MSc Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security
C 4th
Learning outcomes Solve a well-defined, significant research problem under supervision, butin principle independently
Key competencies Write a scientific documentation of considerable length according toestablished scientific principles of form and style, in particular reflectingsolid knowledge about the state-of-the-art in the field
Contents Topics of the master thesis may be chosen from any relevant field of themaster programme’s curriculum with approval from the supervisor
Prerequisites 60 CP must be achieved within the Master programme
Teaching Teaching unit(s) Group Size
Hours per Week
Workload [h]
CP
Independent preparation of master thesis with individual supervision
