Module 1 ■ Introduction
who are better able to communicate and cooperate across disciplinary boundaries and have, therefore, better employment prospects. After following this course module, students will: ■ Have a basic knowledge and understanding of social-scientific concepts, approaches and debates and be able to apply them to coastal regions and problems of coastal management. ■ Be able to apply this basic social scientific knowledge in ‘real-life’ field situations aiming at an integrated analysis of natural and social dimensions of coastal zone problems. ■ Be able to communicate constructively and productively with social scientists in professional situations that require an integrated and inter- or trans- disciplinary approach to coastal zone issues.
Linkages with the modules 2 and 3 Module 1 provides the basics of social scientific approaches, concepts and knowledge. These will serve as a basic framework for making a set of structured observations from a field site in module 2, where students will apply the knowledge and insights derived from module 1 and their knowledge on natural processes in a series of exercises based on field observations. Students will learn to ‘deconstruct’ coastal regions into the social science and natural science dimensions that shape it, and to become aware of the linkages between these dimensions. In module 3 an integrated picture of the coast will be constructed on the basis of their observations from module 2. Focusing on identified key issues or problems, students will formulate and discuss possible solutions. Module 3 will re-introduce a more managerial perspective to the students, in which they can finally fully apply the main lessons learnt in modules 1 and 2. First, they will have to show their awareness of the linkages between problem perceptions, analysis and the formulation of options for a solution. Second, in coming to a solution they will have to build on an integrated, holistic picture of the coastal zone. Third, they will have to take into account the differential (positive and negative) consequences for various stakeholders of the managerial options formulated as a solution to a problem. Finally, in discussing their solutions they will have to weigh the interests of all stakeholders.
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