To participate in the module, students are required to have submitted the portfolios from the modules the ¡®20th and 21st Century World History¡¯ and ¡®Introduction to International Studies: Disciplines, Issues and Approaches.

Project module [10 ECTS]

Description

The module is comprised of problem-oriented project work within the field of International Studies. Students should gain knowledge about a delimited topic within the field of International Studies on the basis of the project. The topic must derive from the two LISE-1 courses mentioned above. Furthermore, students should acquire skills in analysing and understanding cultural, social and political phenomena in relation to modern and current development processes as well as skills in applying fundamental knowledge about important political, cultural and social events and trends in western and global history of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Learning Objectives

Students should obtain competencies in:

• working independently and in groups,
• handling relevant theories and methods for the analysis of a delimited problem within International Studies, and
• presenting ideas, arguments and research results within International Studies in an appropriate academic form, both orally and in writing.

Supervision:

A professor will be allocated as supervisor during the project period.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2202?

ECTS: 10

Mandatory courses

20th and 21st Century World History [5 ECTS]

Course description

This course is intended to take students through a range of the major political events and cultural trends from roughly the First World War to the present. Combined with "Introduction to International Studies: Disciplines, Issues and Approaches¡±, this course helps form the background of the first-semester project. In the first semester, we are concerned to pin-down a number of essentials: knowledge of problem-based learning, the basic fields of international studies, and general historical knowledge. This course addresses the historical areas of the first semester areas. The course will be primarily lecture. However, we will hold a "pause" session in the middle of the course for questions and reflections. Also, in addition to readings from the text, there are links to podcasts and documentaries which you're asked to look at in preparation for different meetings. Students should be aware that we will not be following up on all subjects in the reading in the lecture, and some classes will focus on specific issues addressed in shorter form in the reading that the lectures will look at in extended form. Students are expected to use all material from the course -- reading, lecture and multi-media material -- to put together a broad picture of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Multi-media material will also highlight certain specific issues or details worth thinking about. Students should not expect a repetition of the readings in class.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of an exam portfolio, the precise contents of which will be determined at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2204?

Introduction to International Studies: Disciplines, Issues and Approaches

Course description

This course is an introduction to basic concepts and analytical tools useful for the study and understanding of International Studies.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of an exam portfolio, the precise contents of which will be determined at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2203?

To participate in the module, it is required that the portfolios for ¡®Contemporary International Conflicts¡¯ and ¡®Theories of International Relations¡¯ have been submitted.

Project module [10 ECTS]

Description

The module consists of lecturer-supervised problem-oriented project work within the field of International Relations. Students should gain knowledge about a delimited topic within the field of International Relations on the basis of the project. The topic must derive from the two project courses above.

• Furthermore, students should acquire skills in:
  formulating a scientifically relevant problem within International Relations,
• applying relevant theories and methods for the analysis of the formulated problem
• communicating ideas, arguments and research results within complex problems in International Relations in a convincing, well-argued and precisely phrased academic form, both in writing and orally.

Learning Objectives

Students should obtain competencies in:

• ? applying relevant theories and methods for the analysis of complex problems within
• International Relations, communicating ideas, arguments and research results within International Relations.

Supervision

A professor will be allocated as supervisor during the project period.

Assessment

A specific grade will be awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2211?

ECTS: 10

Mandatory courses

Contemporary International Conflicts [5 ECTS]

Course description

The module deals with contemporary and/or recent historical international conflicts and comprises a relevant coursework, discussion sessions, and an individual portfolio.

Assessment

Portfolio, with a specific grade awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2213?

Theories of International Relations

Course description

This course will provide knowledge and understanding of basic theories and methods within the field of international relations such as realism, liberalism, social constructivism and Marxism. It will also provide students with skills in analyzing and reflecting on basic theories of international relations as well as competencies in a) considering the relevance of basic theories within the field of international relations in relation to issues such as international conflicts, international cooperation, or the role played by state and non-state actors in world politics, and b) communicating about issues in international relations theory in a clear written English.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of an exam portfolio, the precise contents of which will be determined at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2212?

To participate in the module, it is required that the exam portfolio from the module ¡®Organization Studies: Theories and Methods¡¯ and the take-home assignment from the module ¡®International and Transnational Organizations¡¯ have been submitted.

Project module [10 ECTS]

Description

The module comprises problem-oriented project work within the field of organization studies. The topic will derive from the project courses of the semester.

Supervision

A professor will be allocated as supervisor during the project period.

Assessment

The project is assessed on the basis of the written project report plus the oral defense. A specific grade is awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2221?

ECTS: 10

Mandatory courses

Organization Studies: Theories and Methods [5 ECTS]

Course description

The purpose of Organization Studies: Theories and Methods is to become familiar with theories on the nature and functioning of organizations. The course seeks to achieve this by introducing students to key organization theories and by introducing numerous cases and examples illustrating theoretical ideas. The ambition is also that students should become familiar with relevant terminology and key concepts enabling students to analyze organizational phenomena in their projects. In order to address student interests, a broad range of organizations will be included as cases and examples. Most cases and examples, though, will be drawn from international governmental organizations (IGOs) and large NGOs.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of an exam portfolio. A specific grade is awarded

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2222?

International and Transnational Organizations

Course description

The course evolves around questions relating to civil society, private and public international organizations, including non-governmental organizations, social movements and their significance to the international society. We will be discussing a number of theoretical perspectives as well as empirical cases during sessions, and I plan a high degree of student involvement in various types of group work and discussions throughout the course.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of a lecturer-defined take-home assignment (max. 12 pages). A specific grade is awarded.

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2023-2024/BALISE2223?

Purpose & Content

The aim of the course is to give a broad introduction to criminology. Criminology encompasses many different theoretical perspectives, and it intersects and overlaps practically and theoretically with the discipline of sociology. The course will introduce key theories within the field of criminology. This includes, among others:

• Central criminological perspectives including social learning theory, labelling theory, and control theory.
• Nils Christie¡¯s perspectives on crime, punishment, and closeness.
• Michel Foucault¡¯s perspectives on surveillance and punishment.
• Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson¡¯s routine activity theory, which is central to crime prevention.
• Cultural criminology, a newer current from the beginning of the 1990¡¯s which emphasizes crime and crime control as products of power relations and culture.

The class emphasizes understanding theory, and the exam will be an individual written exam.

The elective course in criminology can be relevant for many reasons. One reason is an interest in criminology itself. Another reason may be the growth of criminology as a field of practice and research in Denmark. A third reasons may be to familiarize oneself with the field before deciding whether to study in the first and only criminology education in Denmark at AAU.

Learning goals

Knowledge

• It is the aim that students achieve?knowledge within the course area at a basic level.

Skills

It is the aim that students can:

• formulate, evaluate, and communicate central problems within the course area.
• discuss and analyze current problems within the course area from a criminological/sociological perspective.

Competencies

• It is the aim that students can independently reflect on central problems within the course area, including competing perspectives, methods, and applications.?

Teaching format

• The course is a theoretical course organized as a series of lectures.

?

Examination

• Exam name: Criminology
• Exam type: Written
  The course concludes with an individual written exam of 24 hours.
• ECTS: 5
• Assessment: 7-point grading scale
• Examination: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The assessment criteria are outlined in the university examination regulation.

See curriculum in Criminology

Purpose

The purpose of this course is that students obtain a broad knowledge in the field of educational sociology, which enable them to apply different sociological theories to current issues on social inequality in education. During the course students are learning to reflect on and apply theories in relation to concrete analyses of education.

Content

This course will present various sociological aspects of education both theoretical and empirical. Despite large investments in the Danish education system, social inequality in education is still an issue. Although education is one of the sociological areas that theoretically and empirically is very well researched, it is still unclear what causes social inequality in education, and thus how to break the social inheritance. Likewise, there is a lack of consensus on the effect of social inequality in education on other areas (e.g. health) and later in life (e.g. job opportunities). In this course, we will examine the importance of education in a wide range of stages from kindergarten to university, with particular emphasis on causes and consequences at the various stages.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge

• It is the aim that students aquire knowledge within the area of the course at a basic level

Skills

It is the aim that students can:

• formulate, assess, and communicate central issues within the area of the course.
• illuminate, discuss, and analyse current issues within the thematic framework of the course in a sociological perspective.

Competences

• It is the aim that students is able to reflect on central issues within the theme of the course, including competing theoretical perspectives, methods, and areas of application.

Teaching format

• The module is a theoretical course module that is run as lectures.

EXAMINATION

• Exam format: Written
• The module concludes with an individual written exam lasting 24 hours.
• Exams are internally assessed on a 7-point scale.
• Assessment method: 7-point scale

See curriculum Education and Inequality

Please be aware that the 5 ECTS coureses Global Gender and Global China, are taught at the same time, thus you can choose only one of the courses!

Purpose & Content

The module will provide students with knowledge about and insight into the area of gender and global studies. It will include discussions of specific cases and case studies in which gender, equality and social justice can be understood from local, regional and global perspectives, including in the context of institutions such as the EU and the UN. Emphasis will be placed on the history of gender and equality policies within the fields of development and international relations, on possibilities and limitations of international law and human rights, on the role of gender and diversity in international organizational settings, and on analyses of gender and equality policies in various contexts and parts of the world.?

Learning Objectives

The goal is for the student to achieve knowledge in:

• theories, methods and practices within the field of gender and global studies
• key issues and themes within the field of gender and global studies and various approaches to the study of these themes

Key skills

• can apply knowledge within the module¡¯s subject areas to select theories and methods that serve the analytical purpose and at the same time remain critical to these theories and methods
• can apply relevant theories and methods of the field to empirical cases

Key competences

• can reflect upon and analyze policies as well as processes and actors within the field of international relations from a gender perspective
• can reflect and argue on the basis of scientific knowledge.

The course will include lectures, exercises, group work and seminars with student contributions.

Examinasation

5 ECTS EXAM?
Type of exam: Active participation/continuous evaluation

The requirements for active participation will be determined by the module coordinator.

Any re-exam will be an 8-hour written exam. Maximum length: 3 standard pages.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

10 ECTS EXAM

Type of exam: Oral exam

The examination for Global Gender Studies is an internally assessed individual oral examination. The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student and the examiners about a question posed within the syllabus of the module.

Duration of examination: 20 min, including grading and announcement of result.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

Please be aware that the 5 ECTS coureses Global Gender and Global China, are taught at the same time, thus you can choose only one of the courses!

Purpose & Content

The module includes themes within China¡¯s socio-political transformation, including traditions in China¡¯s political and social history and the transitions in Chinese society after the beginning of the reform period, thereby informing a discussion of Chinese self-perception, Chinese perceptions of the world and global perceptions of China. This is used as the basis for understanding Chinese foreign policy and China¡¯s engagement in global institutions, applying Chinese as well as Western perspectives and theoretical frameworks, and discussing how digital platforms affect domestic and international political engagement.

Learning Objectives

The goal is for the student to achieve knowledge in:

• To provide students with a basic understanding of Chinese history, culture and contemporary political and social development and to introduce the students to a selection of relevant theoretical perspectives commonly applied in Chinese area studies
• To provide the students with a solid understanding of China¡¯s foreign policy and international relations linking this to domestic socio-political development as well as contemporary Chinese self-understanding and worldview(s) and addressing how and why China has reached its status within the international system today
• To allow students to work independently with China-related issues and enable them to analyze contemporary Chinese society and international engagement from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Key skills

• Can apply their knowledge within the module¡¯s subject areas to select theories that serve the analytical purpose and at the same time remain critical to these theories.
• Can identify and evaluate relevant English language information on contemporary Chinese politics and society including information from digital sources.
• Can analyse, interpret and contextualise China¡¯s international engagement from an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective

Key competences

• Can reflect and argue on the basis of scientific knowledge while respecting different perspectives
• Can use their understanding of contemporary Chinese society and global engagement to work professionally in a China-related context.

The module consists of lectures and seminars as well as exercises and student contributions.

Examination

5 ECTS EXAM 
Type of exam: Active participation/continuous evaluation

The requirements for active participation will be determined by the module coordinator.

Any re-exam will be an 8-hour written exam. Maximum length: 3 standard pages.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2024-2025/2022IR23

10 ECTS EXAM

Type of exam: Oral exam

The examination for?Global China: Politics and Institutions?is an internally assessed individual oral examination. The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student and the examiners about a question posed within the syllabus of the module.?

Duration of examination: 20 min, including grading and announcement of result.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2022-2023/2022IR7 

If you choose to do this project module, it is compulsory to also do the modules: ¡®Discourse Studies: Theories and Methods¡¯ (5 ECTS) and ¡®Contemporary Social and Political Discourses¡¯ (5 ECTS).

Project module [10 ECTS]

Description

The objectives for the Language, Politics, and Society project include the acquisition of competencies to apply relevant theories and methods for the analysis of linguistic and/or discursive phenomena and their use in social, cultural, and political contexts.

A professor will be allocated as supervisor during the project period.

Assessment

The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the censor on the basis of the project report written by the student(s); the project report must not exceed 15 pages per student for group projects and 20 pages for individual projects. During the examination, the student(s) must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competencies in accordance with the learning objectives of the module. 

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2206?lang=da-DK 

Mandatory courses

Discourse Studies: Theories and Methods  [5 ECTS]

When choosing the Project in Language, Politics and Society, you must also do this module.

Description

This module provides students with valuable, practical experience in using a range of methods for analysing power and ideology in text, talk and social interaction appropriate for undertaking a group project in the field of discourse studies relevant for English language/international studies students.

Assessment

The examination is an individual exam portfolio; the content of the portfolio must demonstrate that the student has achieved the learning objectives and has participated actively in course activities. The requirements for the contents of the portfolio will be determined by the course instructor at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded according to the Danish 7-point grading scale.

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2207?lang=da-DK  

Contemporary Social and Political Discourses [5 ECTS]

When choosing the Project in Language, Politics and Society, you must also do this module.

Description

The module engages with a variety of the discourses that maintain, normalise, negotiate and challenge various social and political phenomena such as globalisation and international encounters and relationships. By discussing how diverse scholars approach and examine different discourses (for instance, discourses of international relations, gender and ethnicity, racism, and climate change), the course aims at demonstrating how discourse analytical methods can serve as a pathway for critical enquiries into how aspects of social and political structures and processes are mutually constituted through interaction and diverse formats of language-in-use.

Assessment

The examination is an individual exam portfolio; the content of the portfolio must demonstrate that the student has achieved the learning objectives and has participated actively in course activities. The requirements for the contents of the portfolio will be determined by the course instructor at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded according to the Danish 7-point grading scale.

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2208?lang=da-DK

If you choose to do this project module, it is compulsory to also do the modules: ¡®Social and Cultural Globalization: Theories and Issues¡¯ (5 ECTS) and ¡®International and Intercultural Communication¡¯ (5 ECTS).

Project module [10 ECTS]

Description

The objectives for the Intercultural Studies Project includes the acquisition of competencies within the field of intercultural studies. Students must identify, address, and analyze issues in which intercultural relations play a significant role, for example at international or inter-group level. Students are expected to address such issues on the basis of relevant theory and systematic analysis of data material and to be able to discuss their work using concepts and terms appropriate to the intercultural studies field.

A professor will be allocated as supervisor during the project period.

Assessment

The examination will take the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the censor on the basis of the project report written by the student(s); the project report must not exceed 15 pages per student for group projects and 20 pages for individual projects. During the examination, the student(s) must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competencies in accordance with the learning objectives of the module.

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2216?lang=da-DK  

Mandatory courses

Social and Cultural Globalization: Theories and Issues [5 ECTS]

When choosing the Intercultural Studies Project, you must also do this module.

Description

The course covers different perspectives on cultural globalisation, including theories of global cultural changes and connections between economic, political, and cultural globalisation. This includes topics such as global media, commodity chains, time-space compression, and debates about cultural homogenization versus diversification. We use examples from different case studies covering various national and regional contexts.

Assessment

The examination is an individual take-home assignment. The content of the assignment must demonstrate that the student has achieved the learning objectives. The exact content of the assignment will be determined by the course instructor at the start of the semester. A specific grade will be awarded according to the Danish 7-point grading scale.

Learning objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2217?lang=da-DK  

International and Intercultural Communication [5 ECTS]

When choosing the Intercultural Studies Project, you must also do this module.

Description

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to key concepts in intercultural communication and to the most dominant approaches to the study hereof. The course addresses a broad range of social and political issues in which cultural and intercultural aspects become salient. Such issues include (but are not limited to) cultural values in human rights debates, identity politics, cultural positions in gender politics, and intercultural communication challenges in development and aid work.

Assessment

The examination is an individual exam portfolio; the content of the portfolio must demonstrate that the student has achieved the learning objectives and has participated actively in course activities. The requirements for the contents of the portfolio will be determined by the course instructor at the start of the semester.

A specific grade will be awarded according to the Danish 7-point grading scale.

Learning objectives

Learning objectives are stated in the curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2025-2026/BALISE2218?lang=da-DK  

IMPORTANT:  We cannot guarantee this module to be available for the Spring 2025 as it is awaiting approval. Expected update: Mid October 2025!!

 

Purpose & Content

Content, structure and Pedagogy of the module

The purpose of this elective course is for students to gain a broad understanding of the field of social psychology, allowing them to apply various social psychological theories to current issues, particularly related to human¡¯s social relationships and groups, identity and sensemaking.

Throughout the course, students will develop the ability to reflect on these social psychological theories and apply them to concrete social psychological problems.

Content and Connection to Other Modules/Semesters 

In social psychology, we describe how people¡¯s social relationships and interactions form the basis for identity creation, everyday life, and society. Social psychology lies at the intersection of sociology and psychology, and this elective course draws from both fields. Social psychology contributes to sociology by equipping sociologists with a better understanding of what occurs in social life at the micro-level. The boundaries and the theorists included in the field of social psychology vary depending on whether it is sociologically or psychologically oriented.

This elective course will introduce key themes and issues within social psychology, with a primary focus on sociological elements of social psychology. The lecture series will delve into core areas such as identity formation, exploring various theories of identity, socialization, cognition, learning, social norms, and group processes. 

Learning goals

Knowledge

• Acquire knowledge within the elective subject area at a basic level.

Skills

It is the aim that students can:

• Formulate, assess, and communicate central issues within the elective subject area.
• Illuminate, discuss, and analyze current issues within the framework of the elective subject from a sociological perspective.
  

Competences

• Independently reflect on central issues within the elective subject, including competing perspectives, methods, and application areas.

Teaching format

• The course is a theoretical course organized as a series of lectures.

Examination

• ?    The module is a theoretical course module delivered as a series of lectures and exercises
• Exam name: Social Psychology
• Exam format:  Active participation/continuous evaluation
• Re-examination: Oral exam based on a short written assignment.
• ECTS: 5
• Grading system: Pass/fail
• Assessment: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The assessment criteria are stated in the University's examination scheme

See curriculum (in Danish)

IMPORTANT:  We cannot guarantee this module to be available for the Spring 2025 as it is awaiting approval. Expected update: Mid October 2025!!

 

Purpose & Content

The aim of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge of core demographic concepts and methods, as well as of demographic processes. The course aims to enable students to apply demographic methods to describe and uncover fundamental population processes, including the demographic components of fertility, mortality, and migration, and the resulting population structure in terms of e.g. age distribution and urbanization. 

An essential purpose is for students to assess the diversity of demographic measurements and use demographic data sources and analysis methods correctly. It is also the goal that students can convey knowledge about basic dynamics and trends.
Additionally, students should be able to reflect on demographic theories and recognize the relevance of demographic knowledge in the context of analyses of various societal phenomena and processes.

Furthermore, students should understand the importance of and critically apply interdisciplinary knowledge from fields such as history, epidemiology, and sociology, which can contribute with insights for understanding and analysing demographic developments.

Learning goals

Knowledge

• Gain knowledge within the elective's thematic area at a basic level

Skills

It is the aim that students:

• Can formulate, assess, and communicate key issues within the subject area of the elective course
• Can illuminate, discuss, and analyse current problems within the thematic framework of the elective course in a sociological perspective

Competences

•  On an independent basis, can reflect on key issues within the theme of the elective course, including competing theoretical perspectives, methods and areas of application

Teaching format

• The module is a theoretical course module that is conducted as a lecture series.

Examination

• Exam name: Environmental and Climate Sociology
• Exam format:  Active participation/continuous evaluation
• Re-examination: Oral exam based on a short written assignment.
• ECTS: 5
• Grading system: Pass/fail
• Assessment: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The assessment criteria are stated in the University's examination scheme

See curriculum (in Danish)

IMPORTANT:? We cannot guarantee this module to be available for the Spring 2025 as it is awaiting approval. Expected update: Mid October 2025!!

?

Purpose & Content

Evaluation is defined as a systematic retrospective assessment of effects, performance (output) and processes (administration and decision-making content as well as organisation of public activities) in public policy, which is intended to play a role in practical action situations (Vedung 1998, 2009 ¨C retrieved from Krogstrup 2016 p. 41). The purpose of the elective course in evaluation is to give students a broad insight into evaluation theory as well as perspectives on the application and use of evaluations in late modern society. Through the course, the students' ability to reflect critically on the possibilities and limitations of the various evaluation models and to transfer this knowledge to current sociological issues is trained. This equips the students to assess and carry out evaluations at a basic level.

The course provides a theoretical review of different types of evaluation model and an introduction to evaluation as applied research. That is, research that makes use of sociological methods and theory, complies with scientific relevance criteria, and is applied in practice.

Important focal points are: Evaluation models and the use of research methods in these, as well as the interaction between research, management principles and the use of evaluations in public (e.g. social work and education) and private companies. Evaluation as a special sociological practice is sought to be identified. To achieve both a theoretical and practical understanding of the different evaluation models as well as their potential advantages and limitations, the elective course is organized as a mix between lectures, dialogue, and exercises.

Learning goals

Knowledge

• obtained a basic theoretical, methodological and empirical knowledge of and understanding of the discipline of evaluation and the political and practical application of evaluations in the management of the public sector.
• gained a basic theoretical and practical knowledge of the most used types of evaluation models and their strengths and weaknesses.
• a basic knowledge of the interaction between implementation processes and evaluation in the public sector.

Skills

After participating in the course, students should be able to:

• analyze the consequences of different evaluations, and the forms of knowledge produced, for policy and organization in the public sector.
• independently apply evaluation theories, concepts and models in relation to specific issues and decision-making situations
• critically reflect on the use of different forms of evaluation and translate this into strategic practical action

Competences

• To be able to conduct qualified evaluations of the public sector's practice and policies on a sound methodological basis.

Teaching format

• The module is a theoretical and practical course module that is conducted as a lecture series with the involvement of the students. In addition, exercises are included after some of the lectures.

Examination

• Exam name: Theory of Evaluation
• Exam format:? Active participation/continuous evaluation
• Re-examination: Oral exam based on a short written assignment.
• ECTS: 5
• Grading system: Pass/fail
• Assessment: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The assessment criteria are stated in the University's examination scheme

See curriculum (in Danish)

IMPORTANT:  We cannot guarantee this module to be available for the Spring 2025 as it is awaiting approval. Expected update: Mid October 2025!!

 

Purpose & Content

This course focuses on different theoretical and empirical approaches to the analysis of the relationship between the individual, social relations and nature, and in particular on the consequences that different uses and non-uses of nature can have on the individual and societal level. Late modern societies can be characterised by a strong migration towards the cities and an urban life.

The elective course focuses on people's need for contact with nature and on how this is compatible with living in the age of late modernity. In addition, we focus on sustainable consumption and the role of class and gender in reactions to climate challenges.

Learning goals

Knowledge

• Gain knowledge within the elective's thematic area at a basic level

Skills

It is the aim that students:

• Can formulate, assess and communicate key issues within the subject area of the elective course
• Can illuminate, discuss and analyse current problems within the thematic framework of the elective course in a sociological perspective

Competences

•   On an independent basis, can reflect on key issues within the theme of the elective course, including competing theoretical perspectives, methods and areas of application.

Teaching format

• The module is a theoretical course module that is conducted as a lecture series with student presentations.

Examination

• Exam name: Environmental and Climate Sociology
• Exam format:  Active participation/continuous evaluation
• Re-examination: Oral exam based on a short written assignment.
• ECTS: 5
• Grading system: Pass/fail
• Assessment: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The assessment criteria are stated in the University's examination scheme

See curriculum (in Danish)

Due to minimum participant requirements, we cannot guarantee that the course will be offered.

Purpose & Content

Poverty, ecological degradation, resource depletion, climate change and conflict prove to be the most important issues facing human life and nature today. Understanding and resolving the complexity and interrelatedness of these longstanding and looming developmental problems and environmental crises, as well as their attendant adverse social consequences, require not only advances in science and technology but also in social science studies. While there is a crucial need and urgent demand for cutting-edge studies to address these pressing global and transnational problems, one of the greatest challenges for social science is to understand the mutually constitutive relationship between development, ecology, and climate in critical, historical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The establishment of this optional course in Development, Ecology, and Climate (DEC) is herein proposed to respond to these challenges and meet the demands in teaching, research, and policy advice.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Has fundamental and systematic knowledge of various theoretical approaches to the study of ecology/environment and climate change in a development and international relations perspective.

Skills

It is the aim that students can:

• Has the ability to analyze aspects of economic, cultural, political, societal, and natural environmental developments with an interdisciplinary approach..

Competencies

• Demonstrate practical experience of working in an inter-cultural environment derived both from participation in the degree program at Aalborg University and from an interactions with international students.
• Develop individual understanding and stance on the issues related to environment- development dynamics as well as the skill to constructively discuss and communicate these issues with others. 

Teaching format

• Lectures of which some contain exercises.

Examination

• Exam name: Development, Ecology and Climate Change
• Exam type: Written
• ECTS: 5
• Assessment: 7-point grading scale
• Examination: Internal examination
• Assessment criteria: The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures.

See curriculum

Due to minimum participant requirements, we cannot guarantee that the course will be offered.

Purpose and content

Liberal democracy is under threat around the globe. Even long-established democracies show worrying signs of democratic decay, as authoritarian politicians gain popular support and democratic institutions are captured. This course introduces students to the current trends in democratic developments in the United States and Europe. A central focus lies on the institutional and cultural safeguards democracies have at their disposal to defend them against authoritarian challenges.

The first part of the course discusses democratic backsliding in the United States and Central Europe. We analyze the strategies of authoritarian challengers, as well as democracies¡¯ safeguards to counter these challenges. The second part of the course asks students to apply the existing theories to the case of Denmark, assessing the resilience of the Danish democratic system in exercise and workshop sessions.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge

• Is familiar with the current trends and recent challenges to Western democracies.
• Understands the main safeguards democratic systems have at their disposal to counter authoritarianism.

Skills

It is the aim that students can:

• Can describe, discuss and analyze the recent challenges to Western democracies from a theoretically informed perspective.
• Can pinpoint and discuss the strength and weaknesses of the Danish political system with respect to democratic resilience.

Competences

• Can compare political systems and developments.
• Can apply democratic theories to recent events.
• Can assess political institutions and formulate recommendations for potential improvements.
• Can develop political assessments within groups. 

Teaching format

• Lectures, workshops and exercises.

EXAMINATION

• Exam format: Written
• Exams are internally assessed on a 7-point scale.
• Assessment method: 7-point scale

See curriculum

Please be aware that the 5 ECTS courses Gendering Global Governance  and Global China, are taught at the same time, thus you can choose only one of the courses!

Purpose & Content

The module will provide students with knowledge about and insight into the area of gender and global studies. It will include discussions of specific cases and case studies in which gender, equality and social justice can be understood from local, regional and global perspectives, including in the context of institutions such as the EU and the UN. Emphasis will be placed on the history of gender and equality policies within the fields of development and international relations, on possibilities and limitations of international law and human rights, on the role of gender and diversity in international organizational settings, and on analyses of gender and equality policies in various contexts and parts of the world. 

Learning Objectives

The goal is for the student to achieve knowledge in:

• theories, methods and practices within the field of gender and global studies
• key issues and themes within the field of gender and global studies and various approaches to the study of these themes

Key skills

• can apply knowledge within the module¡¯s subject areas to select theories and methods that serve the analytical purpose and at the same time remain critical to these theories and methods
• can apply relevant theories and methods of the field to empirical cases

Key competences

• can reflect upon and analyze policies as well as processes and actors within the field of international relations from a gender perspective
• can reflect and argue on the basis of scientific knowledge.

The course will include lectures, exercises, group work and seminars with student contributions.

Examinasation

5 ECTS EXAM 
Type of exam: Active participation/continuous evaluation

The requirements for active participation will be determined by the module coordinator.

Any re-exam will be an 8-hour written exam. Maximum length: 3 standard pages.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

10 ECTS EXAM

Type of exam: Written exam

The examination for Gendering Global Governance is an internally assessed individual written examination. The examination is a 72-hour take-home assignment comprising issues within the subject area of Gendering Global Governance. The assignment paper must not exceed 8 pages.

Assessment: 7-point grading scale

Type of grading: Internal examination
Criteria of assessment: The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

 

Curriculum 5 ECTS: Global Gender Studies II: Gendering Global Governance (2025/2026) 

Curriculum 10 ECTS: Global Politics, Governance and Diversity (2025/2026)

 

Please be aware that the 5 ECTS courses Gendering Global Governance and Global China, are taught at the same time, thus you can choose only one of the courses!

Purpose & Content

The module focuses on a selection of themes related to China¡¯s changing role in the world. It addresses how Chinese state as well as non-state actors respond to global and local challenges related to for instance economic growth, governance, digitalization and sustainability.??

Learning Objectives

The goal is for the student to achieve knowledge in:

• ?for students to acquire a nuanced understanding of selected themes related to China¡¯s rapid development and changing position in a global setting, with a special emphasis on issues related to governance, varying development trajectories and sustainability. ?
• To practice selecting and applying relevant theoretical perspectives to cases related to Global China, e.g. global and local responses to climate change, Chinese domestic and international migration, Chinese businesses and markets in a global context, or China¡¯s relationship with specific countries or regions, i.e. the EU, the United States of America, Africa, Latin America, or China¡¯s East Asian neighbors.?

Knowledge

• selected topics related to Chinese international engagements including both official and informal relations with a special focus on economic and sustainability related issues ?
• knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches to China¡¯ role in the world?

Skills

• can use their knowledge about the module¡¯s subject areas to select theories that serve the analytical purpose and at the same time remain critical to these theories.?
• can identify reliable sources of information regarding China¡¯s global engagement including digital sources?
• can analyse, interpret and contextualise issues related to sustainability, economic development, and governance with a China focus from an interdisciplinary perspective.?

Key competences

• Can reflect and argue on the basis of scientific knowledge while respecting different perspectives
• can work independently on analyzing concrete cases within international and regional institutions and companies involved in cooperation or trade with China?

The module consists of lectures and seminars as well as exercises and student contributions.

Examination

5 ECTS EXAM?
Type of exam: Active participation/continuous evaluation

The requirements for active participation will be determined by the module coordinator.

Any re-exam will be an 8-hour written exam. Maximum length: 3 standard pages.

Assessment: Passed/Not Passed

Curriculum: https://moduler.aau.dk/course/2024-2025/2022IR23

10 ECTS EXAM

Type of exam: Written exam

The examination for?Global China: Governance and Sustainability?is an internally assessed individual written examination. The examination is a?72-hour take-home assignment comprising issues within the subject area of the module. The assignment paper must not exceed?8?pages.

Assessment: 7-point grading scale

Curriculum

Admission requirements

Students must have relevant academic skills. Applications from exchange students will be evaluated by an academic evaluator.