Subject description for 2024/25
Sustainable Tourism and Geography
GEO2004
Subject description for 2024/25

Sustainable Tourism and Geography

GEO2004
The travel and tourism industry is growing, and the natural environment is often highlighted as the main attraction in Norway. The course aims to promote knowledge about what characterises sustainable travel and tourism as a phenomenon and industry, but also emphasises the growing understanding of the importance of place and local communities in such a context. The topic is generally discussed from a sustainable development perspective. We can offer the course in English for international students.
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Travel and tourism in Norway is a growth industry, and experiences of nature are highlighted as being the most attractive. We reflect on and problematise issues concerning the opportunities and challenges that tourism provides, especially from a perspective focusing on places and local communities. Sustainability is the common thread, with an emphasis on land and resource use, local value creation, and in relation to the local population. We can offer the course in English for international students.
Admission is based on Higher Education Entrance Qualification or prior learning and work experience in accordance with applicable regulations.

After having completed the course the students will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

  • has knowledge about main concepts and trends regarding both sustainability and the field of sustainable travel and tourism, as well as knowledge about the emergence and scope of sustainable tourism
  • has knowledge about place and local communities, and especially about what local characteristics in natural and cultural resources mean for the development of sustainable tourism, both environmentally, socially, culturally and economically
  • is familiar with recent research projects and research literature within the field of sustainable tourism.

Skills:

  • understands global and local, contextual trends of development within the field of sustainable tourism
  • can reflect on travel and tourism in relation to sustainability issues, land protection and local value creation
  • can find, assess and refer to information and subject matter, and present this in a way which highlights a relevant issue.

General competence:

  • has good and relevant insight into the latest research on both sustainability and sustainable tourism and the link between sustainability and tourism
  • has good insight in the local challenges related to nature and culture as sustainable resources of development, and the processes that makes this type of tourism a growing and shaping dynamic of development within many local communities
  • can exchange views and experiences with others based on opportunities and challenges within the field of sustainable tourism.
In addition to the semester fee and course literature, students are expected to provide their own laptop computer. Students must cover board and lodging expenses during the gatherings, while potential bus expenses in relation to excursions are paid by Nord University.
Compulsory for undergraduate students in Geography and Spatial Planning. Alternatively, students on the programme can participate in student exchange this semester. Elective for other students.

The teaching is mainly given in connection with gatherings; in the form of lectures, company visits and group work. In addition to this, there will be webinars with contributions from both subject teachers and students.

There is a requirement for compulsory participation in a meeting and a webinar. The collection combines theoretical insight with practice, and in addition, the interaction in the group is considered important to achieve the best possible learning outcomes. The webinars provide insight into what is emphasized in the syllabus. Exemption from assembly can be granted for special reasons such as acute illness, granted top sports status, etc. Application with documentation is sent to the study program officer. Study work as an alternative to the collection must be assumed.

Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.

Composite assessment. Students will receive a letter grade.

  • Obligatory participation at one account for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
    • Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
  • Obligatory participation at one webinar for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
    • Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
  • Assignment - written account for 0/100 of the grade and will be approved / not approved.
    • Must be passed before the beginning of the Home Exam.
  • The home exam will take place over 2 days and account for 100/100 of the grade. Students will receive a letter grade.
Credits
10
Study location
Levanger
Teaching semesters
Spring 2025
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Course coordinator
Employee photo: Anne Wally Falch Ryan
Associate Professor

Anne Wally Falch Ryan

anne.w.ryan@nord.no