NWI-FMT031
Post-Fossil Change in Industrial Regions
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-FMT031
Credits (ECTS)3
CategoryB3 (Third year bachelor)
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; Institute for Science, Innovation and Society;
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator
dr. J.A. Herberg
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
dr. J.A. Herberg
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
dr. J.A. Herberg
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
dr. J.A. Herberg
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2021
Period
KW2  (08/11/2021 to 30/01/2022)
Starting block
KW2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
After the course …
  • You can recognize and appreciate how the emergence and transformation of fossil energy fundamentally transform the relationship between economy and ecology. Through historical or contemporary examples and the use of key concepts, you can explain some of the basic connections and tensions between nature and society in industrial regions.
  • You recognize and appreciate how the emergence and transformation of fossil energy shape the politics and culture of European industrial regions. Through historical or contemporary examples and the use of key concepts, you can illustrate some of the main conditions, consequences and challenges of political and cultural change in industrial regions.
  • You recognize and appreciate how the emergence and transformation of fossil energy shape the spatial relation between centre and periphery (city/countryside, Global North/South). Through historical or contemporary examples and the use of key concepts, you can illustrate how energy transitions are connected to spatial processes of uneven development.
Content
Why is the energy transition so contested? How does it relate to regional development? How does it affect both nature and people? This course discusses the history and future of industrial regions. Students learn how historical and contemporary energy transitions affect the regional links between 1) economy and ecology, 2) politics and culture, and 3) cities and countryside. The empirical focus lies on coal energy in Europe. The conceptual focus lies on theories of socioecological change.

Processes of industrialization fundamentally transform the relationship of humans, and the rest of nature. This becomes most visible in regions that emerged with the production of fossil energy. Be it in Limburg (Netherlands), the Ruhrgebiet (Germany) or Silesia (Poland) – the availability, extraction and combustion of coal has brought about a specific relationship between, economy, ecology and culture. Based on technologies, business models and relatively cheap workers, industrial regions literally fuelled the rise of modern societies. This went hand in hand with fundamental changes in regional landscapes, for instance in food production, river management or in the quality of air and groundwater. Political institutions have emerged to support the fossil industries, and to contain social and environmental damages. Even local cultures, for instance the image of the male coal miner, closely connect to this history. While fossil energy continuously shape industrial regions, climate change requires drastic changes. The continuous production and consumption of fossil energy has transformed and fundamentally challenged the relationship of nature and society. But, the need for rapid energy transitions spurs conflict, specifically among affected communities in industrial regions. Recent discussions around sustainability, environmental justice and innovation attempt to reconcile local conflicts, allowing for a so-called "just energy transition".   

The course gives a broad overview in the field of socioecological research, discussing historical and contemporary energy transitions in industrial regions. Students from all faculties are invited to bring specific insights, and to expand their interdisciplinary knowledge. During group assignments and individual essays they can explore the culture, ecology, economy and politics of phasing out fossil industries. Regions in the Netherlands, Germany and other countries serve as case studies.
 
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
Foreknowledge from the environmental sciences or social sciences is helpful, but not necessary (“a pre”) .
 
Test information
The course combines formative assignments, and a summative assignment in the form of an individual academic essay. The essay should analyze the conditions and consequences of post-fossil change in industrial regions. It should focus on a specific problem, place, event or phenomenon. Students should use course literature in the essay.
 
Instructional modes
Course
Attendance MandatoryYes

Sustainability certificate
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Essay
Test weight1
Test typeEssay
OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3