Societal Transition and Transformation - Energy and Climate Change (MEE100)

This course takes the Paris Agreement (climate change) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its point of departure, and deals with the transition to a low carbon society and the envisioned transformation of the energy system therein.

It brings attention to the political controversies associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation and the different, and sometimes competing, strategies envisioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

We will also discuss different energy scenarios and visions about the future energy system and the ways in which transition and transformation can take place.


Course description for study year 2022-2023. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MEE100

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course places great emphasis on transition theory and the multi-level perspective (MLP). Transition theory is used as an analytical tool to discuss the conditions for and the likelihood of the realization of various low carbon strategies and energy transformations.

Learning outcome

It is expected that the students after completing the course will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:

Knowledge

Students who successfully complete the course will have:

  • basic knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and climate change policies
  • an understanding of the energy challenges associated with the Paris Agreement
  • knowledge about emission targets and climate policies in Norway and elsewhere
  • advanced knowledge of various mitigation and adaptation strategies related to the energy system
  • knowledge of different energy scenarios and the competing visions of the future energy mix
  • advanced knowledge of transition theory and the multi-level perspective in particular
  • extended insights into the relationship between energy and climate change, and the challenges associated with the transition to a low carbon society

Skills

Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • apply the theoretical approaches of transition theory on various energy technologies and assess the conditions for an energy transformation
  • critically assess and evaluate different energy and climate change-related policy measures

General competencies

After the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • use the knowledge and skills in the analysis of energy- and environmental problems and to formulate and communicate problems and dilemmas associated with a low carbon energy transition

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam 1/1 3 Days Letter grades All

One 3000-4000 word (+/- 10%) compulsary essay on given task.Students on Master in Energy, Environment and Society shall submit all work in English. Students on a Norwegian program may choose to submit in English, bokmål or norwegian.

Coursework requirements

One student assignment
One compulsory group essay.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Oluf Langhelle

Course teacher:

Morten Ryen Loe

Course coordinator:

Liv Åsa-Maria Sunnercrantz

Course teacher:

Thomas Michael Sattich

Method of work

Lectures, group work, group discussions, and student assignments.

Open for

Energy, Environment and Society - Master's Degree Programme Change Management - Master's Degree Programme
Exchange programmes at UIS Business School
Exchange programme at Faculty of Social Sciences
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

Student-evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Faculty of Social Science evaluation system.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto