BRL108 Tourism, nature and society

Contents and structure

Students learn about how the relationship between tourism, nature and society has changed over time. Topics include nature-based tourism in a historical and political context, environmental philosophy, environmental mangement amd conservation, visitor management, and laws that apply to friluftsliv and nature-based tourism including "allemannsretten" (the right to roam). How we relate to and use nature is constantly changing and developing, and students will investigate and reflect upon the management challenges related to this.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student is

• acquainted with various philosophical perspectives regarding the relationship between humans and nature.
• aware of how the relationship between humans and nature has changed throughout history.
• familiar with legislation that affects nature based tourism, friluftliv and the right to roam.
• aquainted with the various administrative bodies that manage nature and outdoor recreation in Norway, and with key former and current conflicts of interest about the use of natural areas.

Skills

The student is able to:

• apply relevant legislation to issues related to management and multi-use conflicts in nature.
• reflect critically on issues linked to management of tourism, friluftsliv and nature.
• reflect on philosophical issues linked to our relationship with nature and friluftsliv as a phenomenon.
• reflect on how different views of nature affect perceptions and use of nature

General competence

The student demonstrates:

• critical thinking about how we relate to and use nature.
• the ability to familiarise oneself with the legislation relevant to conflicts of interest and other current issues in tourism, friluftsliv and nature management.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, student presentations, group work and individual work.

1 - 3 daytrips to observe and experience the course content in a practical setting.

Compulsory learning activities

• One oral presentation
• One written assignment
• Participation in a full-day seminar about environmental philosophy
• Attendance and active participation is required for all practical sessions

The student must pass each of the above requirements before taking the exam.

Assessment

3-day home exam. Graded with letter grades (A - F).

Examination support material

All written sources

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