Environmental and Social Infrastructures (4 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After the course you will have
• an understanding of what environmental and social infrastructures are
• an understanding of their meaning to individuals, regions and countries
• an understanding of the concept of quality of life, society and public services
• an understanding of the quality of life in general in the participating students’ countries
• knowledge and experience of engaging with the stakeholders
• experience of working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team
• a general understanding of resilience

Content

The course takes a look at quality of life in rural areas and the social and environmental infrastructures. What kind of environment is healthy to live in? What services are necessary and what not? How do the environmental and social infrastructures affect a person's feeling of belonging, being a part of something, happiness, ability to work and live in the rural areas?

1. environmental and social infrastructures; what are they, who is responsible for them, how they affect individuals
2. quality of life; well-being, standard of living, balance between working and free time
3. quality of the society; how to participate, be a part of something, how to engage in the community, challenges of social exclusion, insecurity, etc.
4. quality of public services; what is necessary in terms of, for example, health care and other public services
5. what is the future looking like?

The assignments of the course can include, for example:
• orientation to current social and environmental issues in your own region
• quality of life survey
• participation in relevant events
• excursions and reflecting on them

Teaching methods

The course takes a look at quality of life in rural areas and the social and environmental infrastructures. What kind of environment is healthy to live in? What services are necessary and what not? How do the environmental and social infrastructures affect a person's feeling of belonging, being a part of something, happiness, ability to work and live in the rural areas?

1. environmental and social infrastructures; what are they, who is responsible for them, how they affect individuals
2. quality of life; well-being, standard of living, balance between working and free time
3. quality of the society; how to participate, be a part of something, how to engage in the community, challenges of social exclusion, insecurity, etc.
4. quality of public services; what is necessary in terms of, for example, health care and other public services
5. what is the future looking like?

The assignments of the course can include, for example:
• orientation to current social and environmental issues in your own region
• quality of life survey
• participation in relevant events
• excursions and reflecting on them