Ocasys: Ocasys: Online Onderwijscatalogus

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Hieronder staan het programma en de vakomschrijvingen van MSc Spatial Sciences (research) Klik op de naam van een vak in een schema om naar de omschrijving te gaan.

Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
» Jaar 1 (Basic programme year 1 Spatial Sciences)
hele jaar	verplicht	GERMMETH1	Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn	Engels	10	variabel
	verplicht	GERMTTO1	Thematic Theoretical Specialization	Engels	20	variabel
semester I	verplicht	GERMJMRP	Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project	Engels	5	variabel
	verplicht	GERMSCREA	Scientific Reading, Debating, Reflecting	Engels	5	3
semester I b en semester II a	verplicht	GERMIRT	Individual Research Training	Engels	10	variabel
semester II b	verplicht	GERMRIRRI	Research Internship	Engels	10	24

Opmerkingen	It is possible to extend the course Research Internship to 15 ECTS. For Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Techniques choose courses from Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). For Thematic Theoretical Specialization choose courses from Optional thematic courses (GERMTTO) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below).
» Jaar 1 (Islands and Sustainability year 1 Spatial Sciences)
Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
hele jaar	verplicht	GERMMETH1	Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn	Engels	10	variabel
	verplicht	GERMTTO1	Thematic Theoretical Specialization	Engels	20	variabel
semester I	verplicht	GERMJMRP	Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project	Engels	5	variabel
	verplicht	GERMSCREA	Scientific Reading, Debating, Reflecting	Engels	5	3
semester I b en semester II a	verplicht	GERMIRT	Individual Research Training	Engels	10	variabel
semester II b	verplicht	GERMRIRRI	Research Internship	Engels	10	24

Opmerkingen	For Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Techniques choose courses from Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). For Thematic Theoretical Specialization choose courses from Optional thematic courses (GERMTTO) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). In Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project students work on an Islands and Sustainability project on the Wadden area. The Research Internship is followed at one of the Island and Sustainability partner institutes/universities abroad.
» Jaar 2 (Basic programme year 2 Spatial Sciences )
Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
semester I a	verplicht	GERMARS	Advanced Research Skills	Engels	5	3
	verplicht	GERMMETH2	Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn	Engels	5	variabel
	verplicht	GERMSCWR	Scientific English Writing	Engels	5	2
semester I b	verplicht	GERMRPPW	Research Process and Proposal Writing	Engels	5	5
	verplicht	GERMTTO2	Thematic Theoretical Specialization	Engels	10	variabel
semester II	verplicht	GERMTHESIS	Individual Master’s Thesis	Engels	30	1

Opmerkingen	For Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Techniques choose courses from Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). For Thematic Theoretical Specialization choose courses from Optional thematic courses (GERMTTO) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below).
» Jaar 2 (Islands and Sustainability year 2 Spatial Sciences)
Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
semester I a	verplicht	GERMARS	Advanced Research Skills	Engels	5	3
	verplicht	GERMMETH2	Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn	Engels	5	variabel
	verplicht	GERMSCWR	Scientific English Writing	Engels	5	2
semester I b	verplicht	GERMRPPW	Research Process and Proposal Writing	Engels	5	5
	verplicht	GERMTTO2	Thematic Theoretical Specialization	Engels	10	variabel
semester II	verplicht	GERMTHESIS	Individual Master’s Thesis	Engels	30	1

Opmerkingen	For Advanced and Specialized Research Methods and Techniques choose courses from Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). For Thematic Theoretical Specialization choose courses from Optional thematic courses (GERMTTO) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences (see below). The Master's thesis is devoted to an Islands and Sustainability subject - preferably also involving (another) one of the Island and Sustainability partner institutes/universities.
» Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences
Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
semester I a	keuze	GEMFLDWCG	Fieldwork Preparation Cultural Geography	Engels	5	3
	keuze	GEMWDPR	Working with Data in Population Research	Engels	5	variabel
semester I b	keuze	GEMPMSG	Planning Methods for Smart Govern (ID)	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMPST22	Life Tables and Population Projections	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMQRM	Qualitative Research Methods	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMSPANGIS	Spatial Analysis with GIS	Engels	5	8
semester II a	keuze	GEMASA	Advanced Statistical Analysis	Engels	5	8
	keuze	GEMRERES	Real Estate Research	Engels	5	6

Opmerkingen	Students are also allowed, in agreement with the ReMa coordinator, to choose courses outside the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.
» Optional thematic courses (GERMTTO) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences
Periode	Type	Code	Naam	Taal	ECTS	Uren
semester I a	keuze	EBM095B05	Economic Development	Engels	5
	keuze	GEMCOMPRPP	Comparative Research and Planning Pract	Engels	5	5
	keuze	GEMEGTT	Economic Geogr: Theory and Application	Engels	5	6
	keuze	GEMEIPWSH5	EIP: Interactive Workshop	Engels	5	2
	keuze	GEMERD	Entrepreneurship & Regional Development	Engels	5	5
	keuze	GEMFINEW	Finance for Real Estate	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMISS	Interaction, Society and Space	Engels	5	6
	keuze	GEMPLANTH	Planning Theory	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMPOPHP	Population, Health and Place	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMPRI	Place, Regions and Identities	Engels	5	3
	keuze	GEMRELS	Real Estate and Land Supply	Engels	5	6
	keuze	GEMTC	Tourism and Culture	Engels	5	3
semester I b	keuze	GEMDILEIP	Dilemmas in Infrastructure Planning	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMESST	Engaging Society for Spatial Transformat	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMINTREM	International Real Estate Markets	Engels	5	1
	keuze	GEMMFH	Migration, Families and Households	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMPPM	Project and Programme Management (ID)	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMREI	Real Estate Investment	Engels	5	3
	keuze	GEMSPECFEB	Spatial Econometrics	Engels	6	variabel
	keuze	GEMSPECON	Spatial Economics	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMTRDW	Tourism and Regional Development	Engels	5	3
semester II a	keuze	EBM094A05	Economic Geography	Engels	5
	keuze	GEMCITMAT	City Matters	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMNLH	Nature, Landscape and Heritage	Engels	5	5
	keuze	GEMPST23	Contemporary Population Issues	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMRAMA	Regional Labour Market Analysis	Engels	5	6
	keuze	GEMREENVPL	Reinventing Environmental Planning	Engels	5	5
	keuze	GEMRN	Revitalising Neighbourhoods	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMTPP	Tourism Planning & Practice	Engels	5	6
	keuze	GEMTRWATM	Transitions in Water Management	Engels	5	5
semester II b	keuze	GEMFLDWWQ	Fieldwork Water Quality	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMINFRECS	Infrastructure, Economy and Space	Engels	5	3
	keuze	GEMIPS	Interdisc Perspectives on Sustainability	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMLLSP	Living Lab Sustainable Places	Engels	5	variabel
	keuze	GEMREDEV	Real Estate Development	Engels	5	4
	keuze	GEMSOCIMAS	Social Impact Assessment	Engels	5	3

Opmerkingen	Students are also allowed, in agreement with the ReMa coordinator, to choose courses outside the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.

Toon korte vakomschrijvingen

Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn

GERMMETH1

This course consists of modules worth a total of 15 ECTS focus on advanced and specialized research methods and techniques, which are relevant for research in human geography, demography, and spatial planning. Students can choose 15 EC from a list of courses that range from fieldwork to advanced statistical analysis. It is complemented with the obligatory final 5EC course 'Advanced Research Skills' to make up 20 EC of methodological training.

The 15 EC eligible methodological modules provided within the Faculty of Spatial Sciences are presented in a list (see the program at: https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/rug/vak/showpos?opleiding=3541 and see the heading: ‘Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences’) The general rule for choosing the 15 EC of courses is that the student assures that he or she receives a broad methodological training, involving a wide range of methods. Students need to check with the ReMa coordinator for approval of the overall list. Students may also follow modules outside the Facultyl also after approval by the coordinator. In earlier years, students have for instance followed modules on multi-level analysis and intervention research at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences; on Spatial Econometrics in the Faculty of Economics and Management; and Designing Longitudinal Surveys at the Leibniz Institute in Köln (Germany).

For students following one of the Research Master specialisations (Cultural Geography, Economic Geography etc) most of the courses are predetermined, but limited choice options are still available. Please check the ReMa specialisation document (https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/rema-specialisations.pdf) , and contact the coordinators (of the specializatioin master and the ReMa) in case advice or approval is needed.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Onderwijsvorm	Variabel per cursus
Toetsvorm	Per cursus
ECTS	10

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Advanced and Spec Res Methods and Techn

GERMMETH2

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Onderwijsvorm	Variabel per cursus
Toetsvorm	Per cursus
ECTS	5

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Advanced Research Skills

GERMARS

Advanced Research Skills aims to open up and broaden your methodological thinking. It aims to let students embrace a careful consideration of the advantages of cutting edge but widely differing methods and techniques for tackling a research question, and trains them in writing a multimethod research proposal.

The course runs on two tracks.
The first track trains a multitude of high-level cutting-edge research methods, research software and data use, in a practical way. This part of the course is given by different PhD students, basically one PhD for every week. Every week then a PhD student gives a workshop introducing in a hands-on way an interesting research method, a piece of software, a nice dataset etc. Students explore the methods in a practical way. In a final workshop they have to present a review of the merits of one of the learned methods and the PhD students react on their views.

In the second track of the course, the students write a paper which can be seen as a synthesis of all their (20 ECTS) methods courses. They take an issue they are interested in researching. In the paper, of around 1200-1500 words (excluding the 10+ methodological references), they write down three different methods to research the issue and give the reasons for their choice and the combination of the choice, while also, with some depth, suggesting possible (type of) outcomes. The three methods need not come from the Advanced Research Skills course, they can be any scientific method. Finally, in the paper they reflect on the merits of the different methods and the benefits of combining methods (including possible ethical issues).

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	PhD students dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Onderwijsvorm	Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The course offers ReMa students insights in the newest research methods in a hands-on way. The idea is both to stimulate thinking about how to use different methods, about the relative strengths of different methods and about how to apply combinations of methods to answer a research question. It aims to add to the ‘arsenal’ of methods which ReMa students dare to consider when planning and performing research. The general objective of this course is to deepen and extend students’ knowledge of important methodological issues pertaining to research, both on a philosophical and hands-on practical level. The philosophical aspects particularly occur through the multitude of methods discussed: this raises meta-level questions about methods. The hands-on part character is achieved by letting ReMa students experience different researches through (in class) assignments given by PhD students. Maximum number of students: 10-15. Open to Master level students with serious research interest and some methodological courses finished.

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Advanced Statistical Analysis

GEMASA

This course focuses on models for the description and analysis of demographic and geographic events and relationships, such as linear regression, logistic regression and event history models. Students will obtain substantial knowledge and practical experience concerning statistical models for the analysis of discrete and continuous time processes in life domains such as fertility, employment, migration, and health. As quantitative data often contain a temporal dimension, the required statistical tools receive special attention.
Through computer lab sessions and assignments, using empirical survey data from social surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys and analyzing them in a statistical software package (STATA), students acquire a working knowledge for the choice, specification, estimation and interpretation of various models. Most examples during the course are related to topics in demographics and economic geography, but methods can be applied to other (social) fields of research.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. M. van Duijn
Docent(en)	dr. R. Rutigliano dr. M. van Duijn
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	It is assumed that students are familiar with concepts related to demography and economic geography. Furthermore, students are expected to have basic knowledge of Statistics and Mathematics (at least 15 ECTS is assumed).
Opmerkingen	Compulsory course unit for students Population Studies and students Economic Geography. Elective course unit for all other MSc. programmes, except for the MSc. Real Estate Studies. The course is very similar to the Real Estate Research course. Maximum number of students is 50.

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City Matters

GEMCITMAT

The urgent societal issues of our times urge urban planners to rethink the foundational principles of planning. We witness the beginning of the ’urban age’ where the majority of people live in cities. However, due to the liberalization of the world economy and the restructuring of (European) welfare states, the economic situation of large social groups in the global North and the global South has become precarious. As a result, European cities are in constant transformation. Cities that are well connected in the (world) city network become increasingly unaffordable places to live in for those with moderate incomes. On different spatial scales, we observe an increase of socio-spatial polarization. As socio-economic and ethnic segregation is on the rise, fears for the emergence of a social group that is excluded from mainstream society, economy and civic life, are growing.

Altogether, these developments confront every planner with issues of justice. This course enables you to build your own framework to develop and conduct theory-informed empirical research in new socio-geographical contexts and to propose ‘just’ planning interventions.

In City Matters: Social Justice and Urban Inequality, four main questions will be discussed:
1. Which mechanisms – including planning – have generated the contemporary societal problems, such as the housing crisis, urban marginality and location-based activism? We review these mechanisms through the lens of political economy and critical urban theory, not considering them as ‘blind’ or ‘neutral’ processes, but as expressions of power imbalances between interest groups with different ideologies and agendas.
2. How much (in)equality is fair? In the course, the most important theoretical views on justice (utilitarianism, egalitarianism, sufficientarianism, prioritarianism) are discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the arguments why a given level of inequality is fair according to these theories.
3. Which inequalities are relevant for planners? This question (re)defines the scope for spatial interventions and uncovers approaches to define just cities. To answer this question, several theories of spatial justice (David Harvey, Henry Lefebvre, Edward Soja and Peter Marcuse) are discussed.
4. How can urban planners contribute to more ‘just’ cities? Challenges that planners and politicians face while trying to create affordable housing and inclusive communities will be discussed. Furthermore, we look at successful practices such as ‘commoning’, whereby people take control of their own community and resources.
This course consists of eight lectures, seven seminars and an excursion to Belgrade (Serbia) were we visit an urban (re)development project that can be contested and supported from different perspectives on spatial justice.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. C.W. Lamker
Docent(en)	dr. C.W. Lamker dr. B.J. Wind
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Guest lectures, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Only for MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning and MSc Spatial Sciences (research). If you are in one of the other FSS master programmes and if not being able to join this course highly affects your study progress, please contact the study advisors (study.advice.fss@rug.nl). Please contact them before 24 January.

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Comparative Research and Planning Pract

GEMCOMPRPP

The overall aim of this course is to compare multiple spatial planning cases within and across countries – thus identifying the similarities and differences between planning systems, practices, and contexts within and across countries – to draw lessons from such comparisons, and to critically discuss the opportunities and limitations of cross-border learning using insights and arguments from the policy transfer, translation, and policy-mobilities literatures.

The course predominantly discusses spatial planning in the European context focusing on three domains of interest for spatial planning: water management, renewable energy, and infrastructure/transportation planning. A secondary overall aim of the course is to provide students with methodological tools to conduct (international) comparative research. The course focusses on the case study, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), and policy transfer and translation.

Comparative research allows students to better understand spatial planning systems, practices, and contexts in their country of origin; to determine – given extant national contexts – the opportunities and challenges for drawing lessons or transferring/translating policies from one spatial planning system or practice to another; and to critique different systems and practices, as well critically discuss possibilities for improving them.

Spatial planning systems and practices are often highly diverse in different countries. Planning systems and practices are namely strongly embedded in their socio-spatial contexts: different physical circumstances, institutional designs, and planning cultures have developed historically and give rise to different spatial planning systems and practices. National (planning) cultures can be supportive or unsupportive of a planned intervention. The institutional context of spatial planning is closely related to national judicial traditions and the constitutional make-up of the state. As a result, planning systems and practices for influencing spatial development are contingent upon their specific national contexts. In this course, the students will develop an understanding of spatial planning systems and practices in their socio-spatial contexts.

The comparison of spatial planning systems and practices from different countries, and drawing lessons from the comparison, is central to this course. The case study methodology and ‘Qualitative Comparative Analysis’ (QCA) are research methods that are introduced, applied, and that structure the course. The course features three types of lectures.
1. In order to set the scene and to explain the socio-spatial context of a particular planning system, one individual country is normally at the focus of each so-called case lecture. Within the context of each country, key institutions, power relations, limitations, and strengths of the planning system are explored. This is done through an examination of particular tools, techniques, and practices that operate within. Each case lecture is connected to one of three spatial planning domains: renewable energy, water/coastal management, or infrastructure/transportation planning.
2. In the methods lectures, an introduction is given into case study methodology, QCA, and policy transfer and translation as useful methods and theories to analyze, understand, and draw inspiration from different national planning systems and practices.
3. In the seminars, the students work under the guidance of the course lecturers on their group assignment. The group assignment (a research report) and a (digital) individual essay will form the basis for the final grade of the course. The seminars focus on the application of the case study and QCA methods. The assignment focusses on doing case study and comparative research and on drawing lessons from one national context (the donor country) to another (the recipient country), whilst being sensitive and critical towards cross-country differences, opportunities, and limitations involved.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. E.M. Trell-Zuidema
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers dr. E.M. Trell-Zuidema dr. S. Verweij
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Seminars, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Essay, Group assignments
ECTS	5

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Contemporary Population Issues

GEMPST23

Overpopulation. Already by the end of the 18th century, Thomas Robert Malthus warned the world that population growth would outstrip resources. In the 1970s, The Club of Rome provided this same message again in its famous essay ‘The Limits to Growth’. Although technological innovations and improvements in education and health have challenged these doom scenarios, global population growth and related implications for development, such as climate change, resource availability and food security, remains highly debated. This global concern is also reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals. But is it really population growth we should be concerned with? Or is it more a matter of population structure, resource distribution, consumption levels or population wellbeing?

This course focuses on the issues of population growth, climate change, and food security. We will discuss various mechanisms underlying these contemporary population issues from a macro-level perspective. Students will become aware of the science-policy interface as they discuss the issues from the perspectives of various stakeholders and develop a policy brief for a particular country. At the end of the course, the students will represent their country in a United Nations simulation game addressing this contemporary population issue.

The aim of the course is to develop students’ understanding of global contemporary population issues, and how population policies are developed and implemented to address these issues. The course takes a project-based learning approach in which students make use of lectures, group work and expert lectures to write a country specific dossier and policy brief addressing particular population issues.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of contemporary population issues (population growth, climate change and food security) as well as how these issues could potentially be addressed in policies. They are also aware of forms of research communication that tend to be effective for knowledge exchange and evidence-based policy.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. S.A. Adaawen
Docent(en)	dr. S.A. Adaawen Guest lecturers prof. dr. ir. H.H. Haisma prof. dr. L.J.G. van Wissen dr. T.C. Vogt
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 40.

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Dilemmas in Infrastructure Planning

GEMDILEIP

This course focuses on network and governance dilemmas that arise in the planning and realization of different kinds of infrastructure networks. The course consists of four blocks. It starts with a block focusing on the general debates on network and governance theory and translating these debates into two main perspectives: a network perspective and a governance perspective. Subsequently, in the following three thematic blocks, waterway, energy and road infrastructure networks will be covered. Each of the thematic blocks will be discussed on the basis of the network and the governance perspective. After the first two blocks and at the end of the fourth block there will be an exam. In addition, there are mandatory excursions with group assignments, which will result in a group portfolio. Costs may have to be made for these excursions.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. G. van der Vaart
Docent(en)	prof. dr. E.J.M.M. Arts prof. ir. W.L. Leendertse dr. G. van der Vaart
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with multiple choice questions digital, Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments, Interim test with multiple choice questions digital, Interim test with open questions digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	BSc

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Economic Development

EBM095B05

Why are some countries poor and some countries rich? This course explores the measurement and analysis of growth and development in today's world. Global economic growth has been rapid since the 1950s, but uneven across countries and major challenges to growth have appeared in the last decade. What were successful growth strategies in the past? Which contributed to this success? What are the growth challenges ahead and how can we cope with these? We discuss new global trends that provide both opportunities and challenges for growth and development. This will be done by in-depth study and discussion of major articles in this field.

Faculteit	Economie en Bedrijfskunde
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. G.J. de Vries
Docent(en)	dr. G.J. de Vries prof. dr. R.C. Inklaar
Onderwijsvorm	-hoorcollege , -werkcollege
Toetsvorm	-schriftelijk tentamen (open vragen)
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	BSc Economics, important note: intermediate-level knowledge of Economic Growth or Development Economics is needed.
Opmerkingen	Secretariat GEM: gem.feb@rug.nl, +31(0)50 363 3458, 5411.0538 Coordinator: g.j.de.vries@rug.nl

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Economic Geogr: Theory and Application

GEMEGTT

This module has two main aims. First, the course explores the current frontiers of the academic debate in Economic Geography. Second, it explicitly translates the theoretical and empirical insights in Economic Geography to the daily practice of local and regional economic development as practiced by policy makers and private consultants alike.

The course is set against the backdrop of ongoing economic globalization, or counter developments in the wake of the corona crisis and its implications for local and regional economic development. The course will examine analytical concepts and theories, as well as empirical approaches to investigating economic geography. In this context, the course will introduce important current themes in economic geography, both from an academic point of view and from a societal stance. These current themes include the importance of human capital for innovation and development, Well-being and Happiness as alternative measures of development, and Territorial and Social inequality. Importantly, we will discuss ideas of regional resilience in the light of negative external shocks (such as a pandemic). Students will examine these issues in the context of The Netherlands, the European Union, and in terms of newly emerging and developing countries.

The course explicitly asks how empirical and theoretical insights translate to the practice of local and regional development. For this, we will discuss pertinent policy options and tools, including city branding, business incentives and housing policies. Understanding the international practice of regional government is relevant in this as well, not in the least in preparation for a job in local development. Throughout the course we will pay attention to the practice of economic geography. This is made explicit in a series of online interviews with policy makers dealing with regional economic policies in the Netherlands and Europe.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. S. Koster
Docent(en)	dr. S. Koster
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Seminars, Guest lectures, Independent study
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	In 2020-2021, the course will be principally organized as an online course, while certain on-site activities may be organized if the situation and university policy permit. No restrictions except for possible restrictions regarding on-site teaching.

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Economic Geography

EBM094A05

The geo-economic map of the world changes constantly. Globalization has led to a rapid increase of these changes in the location decisions of firms. This course aims to provide students with a better understanding of the resulting changes in the geo-economic patterns of the uneven distribution of economic activity over space and the underlying strategic decision of firms to re-locate in (or offshore to) knowledge intensive clusters of economic activity. We discuss key theories and empirical evidence to understand these changes and, subsequently, discuss the firm level drivers of these changes.

Faculteit	Economie en Bedrijfskunde
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. S. Brakman
Docent(en)	prof. dr. S. Brakman prof. dr. J.H. Garretsen Guest Lecturer(s)
Onderwijsvorm	-computer practicum, -hoorcollege , -werkcollege
Toetsvorm	-groepsopdracht, -schriftelijk tentamen (open vragen)
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Secretariat GEM: gem.feb@rug.nl, +31(0)50 363 3458, 5411.0538

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EIP: Interactive Workshop

GEMEIPWSH5

The course engages students interactively with seminal texts within environmental and infrastructure planning and enhances critical thinking on contemporary planning debates in theory and practice.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. W.S. Rauws
Docent(en)	dr. C.W. Lamker dr. W.S. Rauws dr. F.M.G. Van Kann
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	This course is a compulsory course unit for students EIP, also open for students ReMa.

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Engaging Society for Spatial Transformat

GEMESST

We see the emergence of citizens and entrepreneurs who collectively take the lead in spatial transformation in the context of place-based development. Examples are initiatives in revitalizing of public space, self-governance in energy production, food, health-care or landscape maintenance, or fostering social cohesion in neighbourhoods and other meaningful everyday places. The course:
1) provides insight in theoretical perspectives on citizen’s engagement based on concepts such as transformation, transition, leadership, and collective action.
2) analyzes the engagement of society in spaces of interaction and the changing roles of spatial planning, resulting in coalitions and institutional arrangements.
3) pays specific attention to the (inter)subjective aspects of planning (motives and values).

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. L.G. Horlings
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers prof. dr. L.G. Horlings dr. E. Puerari
Onderwijsvorm	Practicals, Guest lectures, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Bachelor Spatial Planning and Design or other relevant Bachelor.
Opmerkingen	This course is only open for students MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning and MSc Spatial Sciences (research). Not open for other masters. Maximum number of students is 30.

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Entrepreneurship & Regional Development

GEMERD

In the course we focus on types of entrepreneurship and the effects of entrepreneurship on regional growth but also on regional patterns of entrepreneurship and whether or not specific environments can be more beneficial for entrepreneurship or not. Hence we learn in what ways entrepreneurship is beneficial for regional development and the possibilities for policy makers to use entrepreneurship as a policy instrument.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. A.E. Brouwer
Docent(en)	dr. A.E. Brouwer Guest lecturers
Onderwijsvorm	Independent study, Seminars, Excursions, Guest lectures
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments digital, Individual assignments digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5

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Fieldwork Preparation Cultural Geography

GEMFLDWCG

Please take note that this year’s course is different due to Covid-19 measures – this course takes the form of a fieldwork preparation this year

The fieldwork preparation aims at learning and practicing different methods that can be used to do empirical research into cultural geographical key concepts such as place attachment, sense of place, (regional) identities, representations, iconic landscapes, and liveability in the field. The course will be taught online, with a number of lectures in which students learn about different research methods as used by international researchers.
In preparation of their master’s thesis, students will come up with an epistemologically sound methodological approach for a potential study on a cultural geographical topic. Students will be able to provide arguments for their methodological approach. Students will be evaluated on their written rationale, oral (online) presentation of their rationale and research instrument, and their ability to defend their chosen approach following peer review.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. K. Salemink
Docent(en)	dr. K. Salemink S. van Lanen
Onderwijsvorm	Seminars, Guest lectures, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments digital, Individual assignments digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Compulsory course unit for students CG, also open for students ReMa. The course will be taught online.

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Fieldwork Water Quality

GEMFLDWWQ

The course starts in Groningen with an introductory lecture about the management of water quality and an introduction to the context of the Netherlands. The students will be introduced to a number of central concepts pertaining to planning for water quality. In addition, a tutorial about the field-work assignment and planning will be held. Prior to the fieldwork the students are required to develop a research question, do some preliminary desk research and prepare a presentation about a group topic assigned, to be presented on location on different field-visit sites across the Netherlands. During the field-work the students will collect additional data to answer their research questions. The final product of the course will be a written report, combining the desk research and field-data. The on-site presentation during the field-work will also form a part of the final grade for this course.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	MSc. C.R. Ulug
Docent(en)	prof. dr. E.J.M.M. Arts Guest lecturers prof. ir. W.L. Leendertse C. van den Brink
Onderwijsvorm	Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Compulsory course for the students of Double Degree Master Water and Coastal Management. Not open for other students. Max. 15 students.

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Finance for Real Estate

GEMFINEW

Value and value creation are central concepts of Corporate Finance. The value of an asset depends on the size, the timing and the risk of the expected cash flows generated by an asset. In this course, you will learn how to determine the value of any asset. You will apply these techniques to value financial securities and investment opportunities of companies.
The course Finance for Real Estate provides the fundamentals to assess the financial attractiveness of real estate projects.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. ing. N. Brunia
Docent(en)	dr. ing. N. Brunia
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials
Toetsvorm	Examination with multiple choice questions digital, Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The material presented and discussed during the lectures and tutorials is also subject to examination.

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Individual Master’s Thesis

GERMTHESIS

The Individual Master’s thesis is the final product of the program, including and reflecting all that has been learned in the programme. The topic should be embedded in the Faculty Research Program towards Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation (tWIST). In the thesis, original research findings should be presented, and ideally, an international article will be written based on the Master’s thesis. Students typically have one main supervisor, but depending on the expertise needed for the topic, input can be provided by an additional supervisor. It is advisable to conduct research for the Master’s thesis that relates to a possible future PhD project. The Master’s thesis is judged on the basis of a protocol with research oriented criteria.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	Individual supervisor dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Onderwijsvorm	Seminars
Toetsvorm	Oral presentation, Thesis
ECTS	30
Opmerkingen	Individual Master’s Thesis in semester 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, depending on the programme of the individual student.

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Individual Research Training

GERMIRT

The Individual Research training (IRT) module is focused on facilitating the students’ awareness of the process of doing research, its methods and the reporting of research outcomes. Students will do active research (or research activities), while being supervised by an URSI/Nethur researcher in the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. For example, in previous years students have analysed quantitative or qualitative secondary data, others have conducted a literature review or collected primary data and conducted minor field studies in The Netherlands or elsewhere. The students can choose an IRT project from a list of projects offered by URSI/Nethur researchers, or propose a project themselves, which is in line with the research conducted by an URSI/Nethur researcher.

The coordinator facilitates setting up the IRT. The topic and aims of the IRT, as well as agreements made are drawn up in a Learning Agreement between student and researcher. Its purpose is to help both the supervisor and the student to be well prepared regarding what is expected of the student during the IRT. In addition, it helps the supervisor of the students to keep track of their performance and possible problems regarding their progress. Working in close collaboration with an experienced researcher, the intended outcome of the IRT is awareness on the part of the student of the process of research which comes directly from practical research experience. The outcome of the IRT is a scientific end product (e.g. research article, conference paper, essay or scientific report), which is judged based on an evaluation protocol.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. M.A. van den Brink
Docent(en)	Individual supervisor dr. M.A. van den Brink
Onderwijsvorm	Seminars
ECTS	10
Opmerkingen	Individual Research Training in semester 1b and 2a.

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Infrastructure, Economy and Space

GEMINFRECS

Students will acquire a thorough understanding of the relationships between transport mobility (i.e., the demand for travel), the development of infrastructure (supply side) and the wider economic development of places and regions. They will be able to apply this understanding to specific examples of transport infrastructure development. They will be able to point out the pros and cons of infrastructure projects on the basis of the travel demand and the expected spatial structuring effects and economic effects, as well as relate these to the relevant government policy to be carried out.
The course is based on the continuous demand for new or improved transport infrastructure projects, in the Netherlands and in other countries, and the (public) discussion between advocates and opponents of specific infrastructure projects.
A number of lectures will set out the main themes within transport and economic geography concerning: ‘need and urgence’ of infrastructure development, stakeholder involvement, and, spatial and (regional) economic impacts of infrastructure projects. A mid-term written exam will be based on obligatory literature underlying the lectures and on information provided during the lectures.
At the beginning of the course groups will be formed and example projects will be chosen. They will concern recently completed new or improved transport infrastructure projects (e.g., railroad, road or airports). Students will prepare presentations and write a report on these projects in groups. They will individually prepare written critical or provocative statements related to the chosen projects, but generated from the body of scientific knowledge, which will then be debated. Presentations, reports and statements will try to explicitly link theoretical knowledge of the relationship between transport mobility, infrastructure development, economics and space to social considerations concerning costs, benefits and feasibility.
The course ends with a presentation of the group project in 'workshops'.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. ir. T. Tillema
Docent(en)	dr. S. Barzin prof. dr. ir. T. Tillema
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5

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Interaction, Society and Space

GEMISS

The course aims to introduce students in key theories on the complex interaction between people, space and decision-makers. The course trains students in analysing theoretical texts and in recognizing theoretical concepts in real life situations.
After a general introduction on the nature of theory, 4 clusters of key theories are discussed in discussion sessions of two lecture hours. Each discussion session is followed by a half day of field work in which students are invited to do a reality check on the theories discussed.
Meanwhile, in small groups the students do a literature review on more specific literature in the field. The findings are shared with their fellow students in the last weeks of the course.
The course prepares students for the thesis by making them appreciate theory as a tool for seeing and generating new knowledge. This makes it a first attempt to work at the Master’s level.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. ir. T. van Dijk
Docent(en)	dr. ir. T. van Dijk
Onderwijsvorm	Discussion sessions, Excursions, Independent study, Practicals
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments digital
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The discussion lectures are vital for a good understanding of the texts. Only students that properly studied the literature are allowed to participate. Active engagement in the discussion is a requirement for passing the course. Maximum number of students is 50.

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Interdisc Perspectives on Sustainability

GEMIPS

Environmental challenges (such as climate change) are complex and require expertise from multiple disciplines. Spatial scientists, social scientists, humanities scholars, physical scientists, and engineers need to collaborate to be able to understand and tackle major challenges. Consequently, there is growing interest in interdisciplinary environmental research that integrates the insights from various disciplines. In this interactive course, students will become familiar with how different disciplines study environmental problems, and their main contributions. Students will communicate with scholars outside their own field, and in groups develop an integrative research idea. In the process, they will learn tools to better work in interdisciplinary teams.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. L. Jans
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.G. Horlings prof. dr. C. Zuidema
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Lectures, Practicals
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Students from Spatial Sciences must have completed the following study components in order to be admitted to the course unit: Bachelor Spatial Planning and Design or other relevant Bachelor.
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 15 from Spatial Sciences (CG, EIP and SSP), total students in the course is 45.

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International Real Estate Markets

GEMINTREM

The real estate markets have become more integrated worldwide than ever before. Today, foreign investors, (real estate) service providers, manufactures, and developers play an important role in the demand and supply of space in domestic markets, and vice versa. In the meantime, significant economic, institutional, cultural differences exist among various markets which highlight opportunities as well as challenges in the process of globalization of real estate markets. In this course, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis on the functioning and formation of international real estate markets. Specifically, we will analyze the international real estate markets from three aspects. First, user demand for real estate will be examined. The extent to which real estate demand is driven by users consuming the space is affected by the globalization of multinational corporations and by the trade patterns between major trading partners. We will elaborate on the classic trade theories and theories on multinational firms in order to understand the demand from real estate users. Second, we will investigate the real estate from the perspective of investors. Why investors favor real estate than other asset classes, for instance, bond and stocks? To answer this question, we will go through finance and investment theories and apply them to real estate assets with the focus of risk-return trade-off and potential diversification benefits from gaining exposure to real estate. Third, institutional settings within which international real estate markets operate are also key to the understanding of the functioning of international real estate markets. It contributes to our understanding why certain markets are more attractive to users/investors than others. In addition, it helps us to promote the development of market structures and institutions in new markets.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. X. Liu
Docent(en)	S. Fang dr. X. Liu
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Students are assumed to possess basic understanding of international economics and finance, and the capabilities to conduct quantitative analysis. Specifically, students should know first order derivative and its related computations. If you do not meet this prerequisite, you may read Chapter 6 and 7 of the book “Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis” (Edition 2002) by Knut Sydsaeter and Peter Hammond (Prentice-Hall). Students should have followed the course of Real Estate Finance (1A) to build up the required prior knowledge on finance to follow this course. Otherwise, the book “Corporate Finance” by Berk and DeMarzo (Pearson) is highly recommended.

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Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project

GERMJMRP

In the Joint Multidisciplinary Project, student teams from different disciplinary backgrounds within the Spatial Sciences work together to tackle research problems that have been identified by local and regional stakeholders, such as governments, firms or organisations. The teams work on well-defined assignments that challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills in real world settings. The end result of the project is a report, that is presented to the stakeholders at the end of the semester.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. L.B. Meijering
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.B. Meijering
Onderwijsvorm	Practicals, Seminars, Fieldwork, Independent study
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Since student work with local/regional partners, communication in Dutch with the external client, collecting data in Dutch, and providing a written summary in Dutch will probably be necessary.

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Life Tables and Population Projections

GEMPST22

The life table technique - in its original application – is used to describe the mortality pattern of a population, and results in the life expectancy. The technique can be generalized and applied to many research topics, such as population health, multi-regional dynamics, labour market demography, etc.
Survival analysis consists in applying the life table technique to individual-level data on life events, which can answer a wide range of questions on the occurrence, timing and likelihood of these events (e.g. marriage, childbearing, migration, labour market, disease career). Clear links with causal modelling exist.
Population projections estimate future population size and structure. Key to population projections is the cohort component method which involves (a) the formulation of assumptions for each of the components, i.e. fertility, mortality and migration, and (b) the implementation of these assumptions using the Leslie model which implies a matrix formulation.
In this course, first the life table technique will be taught, followed by the population projection methodology, and subsequently survival analysis.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. A.P.P. Remund
Docent(en)	dr. M. Boissonneault, PhD.dr. A.P.P. Remund prof. dr. L.J.G. van Wissen
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Prerequisites for the course are good command of Excel, and basic command of Stata. It is advised that students complete the Excel tutorials on Nestor (webclass) or provided by Microsoft.
Opmerkingen	*This book is also used within the course Working with Data on Population Research. Also on books.google.nl. 20-30 students (based on availability of computers)

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Living Lab Sustainable Places

GEMLLSP

Students analyse spatial challenges of a real life case in order to formulate a provocative yet viable, credible and well-documented policy advice, inspired by a central theme.
The advice shows how to transform a location under investigation into a more sustainable place. Sustainability is understood from an integral perspective (people, planet, profit). Place is considered from a relational perspective, as the outcome of all sorts of structuring (political-economic, ecological, social-cultural) processes that stretch beyond geographical boundaries.
The students concentrate on a case located near Groningen city. Socio-spatial data, policy documents, fieldwork days and interaction with the actual stakeholders feed into the analysis. During the case analysis a variety of inspiration sessions equip students with key tools and concepts.
The theoretical insights that this course provides during this process, as well as those taught in previous courses, are deployed by the students to come to a proper understanding of a case. The policy advice presents the case with an appealing and authentic vision on its future.
The assessment takes place on the basis of the quality of the analysis, the advice, the group process and the individual reflection.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. G. van der Vaart
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.G. Horlings dr. ir. J. Kempenaar dr. F. Niekerk dr. G. van der Vaart
Onderwijsvorm	Discussion sessions, Fieldwork, Practicals
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Limited elective (ID-course) for EIP and compulsory for all SSP students. For SSP/EIP and other Master’s students (e.g. landscape history, cultural geography) and MINERVA students. The remaining positions after the enrolment of SSP/EIP students will be distributed to students from other Masters on the basis of first-come-first-serve. Maximum number of students is 24. The course requires an active participatory attitude from the students.

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Migration, Families and Households

GEMMFH

This course encompasses the three main types of residential relocations: residential mobility, internal and international migration, in relation to family and household dynamics. A life course perspective is used to determine how migration of individuals (at the micro level) is shaped by events in individual lives, such as leaving the parental home, marriage, divorce, child birth and retirement. It also examines how life events of significant others such spouses, children and parents shape migration decisions of the individual. The course contextualizes the manner in which the decision to migrate is influenced by the family and the household (at the meso level) and the housing and labour markets as well as welfare regimes (at the macro level). The course takes a critical view on the inequalities people experience either on migration or due to migration both within and outside family and household settings.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. R. Rutigliano
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers prof. dr. C.H. Mulder dr. R. Rutigliano
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Guest lectures, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Students must have completed the following study components in order to be admitted to the course unit: Bachelor programme from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences or other social-scientific Bachelor programme. Enrolment in a Master programme of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences also gives the right to enter the course.
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 40.

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Nature, Landscape and Heritage

GEMNLH

Natural, heritage and landscape values of the rural and urban environment are studied to understand the different appreciations and valuations of places and areas in society. During lectures, attention will be paid to the birth and evolution of the idea of the preservation of the past and its paradigmatic transformation into heritage, with a specific focus on cultural, natural and geoheritage. The main contemporary issues and controversies surrounding heritage and identifications in pluralistic societies will also be addressed, including practical examples during (guest) lectures. Theoretical approaches of ecology, biodiversity and the landscape biography method will be introduced. To fully understand the complexity of the variety in landscape perceptions, knowledge on historical landscape development will be provided during lectures, (self-guided) excursions and presentations. The academic theories on nature values, heritage and landscape perception will be compared with the professional practice by several company visits. By analysing a self-chosen landscape a landscape biography will be written in which historical and current relationships between biotic, abiotic and human factors (including perceptions) of (natural) landscapes will be connected.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. ir. E.W. Meijles
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers dr. ir. E.W. Meijles
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with multiple choice questions digital, Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments digital, Interim test with multiple choice questions digital, Interim test with open questions digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Optional for all FRW masters and for the Master Landscape History (LET). The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Place, Regions and Identities

GEMPRI

With increasingly globalizing societies, culture and identity processes have undergone remarkable changes. In the last couple of decades, regional specificities such as culture and identity have become important tools to (i) internally create social cohesion in an increasingly individualistic and networked society; (ii) lead to socio-economic development by attracting external investments and people in a globally competitive market place that, paradoxically, has been noted to homogenize culture and connect individual identities on a global level.

This course considers some of the key overarching concepts and ideas in cultural geography, especially as they pertain to this role of culture and identity in places and regions in a globalizing society. It is general in its focus (i.e. no specific location implied) but highlights concrete trends and processes likely to be active in specific places through both conceptual and empirical discussions.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. H.J.W. Stoffelen
Docent(en)	dr. H.J.W. Stoffelen
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 35. The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Planning Methods for Smart Govern (ID)

GEMPMSG

Complexity and uncertainties are intrinsically part of spatial design problems. By applying planning support and evaluation methods, planners try to deal with these uncertainties and, often, reduce complexity. Worldwide, a wide-ranging assortment of planning methods is applied in policy-design practice. Some generic functions of these methods include complex problem structuring (‘problems first’), generating and defining scenarios, analysing and visualizing impacts, and selecting and comparing alternative solutions for these problems. The format of the methods and the way their performance is perceived strongly depends on underlying theoretical views on policy design. (e.g., goal-oriented, interactive, institutional).

This course provides students with knowledge about the smart use of planning methods in governance from different theoretical perspectives. The meaning of ‘smart’ relates to (1) high performance of methods in governance, (2) the use of innovative methods and (3) increase in available open data and crowdsourced data.

More in detail, the conditions for successful application of methods based on problem structuring, scenario development and Space Syntax will be discussed and applied in the group assignment (Step 5). Students reflect on the value, use and performance of these methods in policy design.

Part of the course is a group assignment on a self-chosen spatial design question. The aim of this assignment is to write spatial policy advice. This will be based on the findings produced by using and integrating several planning methods related to problem solving, scenario development and scenario testing with the space syntax method. The students will complete a portfolio that – stepwise – builds up to the final policy advice. Critical reflection on the contribution of planning methods in smart governance will be part of the assignment.

Students are expected to complete a written exam, to actively participate in the tutorials and to complete the group assignment.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F. Niekerk
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers dr. F. Niekerk prof. dr. C.H. Yamu
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Seminars, Computer practicals, Guest lectures
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Following knowledge is of advantage: GIS
Opmerkingen	Students will have computers for the computer practicals, but in case of preference they can bring their own notebooks with QGIS 2.8 and space syntax’ Depthmap X software installed. If you are facing any problems, please inform us timely. For students EIP en SSP: restrictive elective. If there are places left, also open for other Master's programmes of FSS and RUG elective. Maximum number of students is 40.

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Planning Theory

GEMPLANTH

The aim of the planning theory course is to gain more in-depth knowledge of the theoretical background of planning in such a way that the student can identify suitable existing planning and decision-making models for issues at hand. The student will also be able to picture a planning issue within a theoretical frame, through which an approach and its consequences can be deduced.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. G. de Roo
Docent(en)	prof. dr. G. de Roo dr. E. Puerari
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Examination with multiple choice questions, Examination with open questions
ECTS	5

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Population, Health and Place

GEMPOPHP

Health and demographic processes influence each other throughout the life course, and are shaped by the geographical and socioeconomic context. This module is about the dual link between demography, health, and place or geography. In the course, we adopt a population and an individual level perspective, as well as a global and a local perspective. At the population (macro) level, we examine demographic developments and compare differences in health outcomes across the globe. We will investigate determinants and patterns of health inequalities. At the individual (micro) level, we will unravel the interlinkages between health and the life course in different contexts. We look, for example, at how ageing and health are perceived in different cultural and societal contexts. A central aim of this course is the introduction of theories and approaches that help us understand how health outcomes are shaped at the individual and the population level and how these are interlinked. The theories will build up to a framework to understand the different facets of population health. They also provide a link between case studies presented by various guest lecturers.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. T.C. Vogt
Docent(en)	dr. S.A. Adaawen dr. B. de Haas Guest lecturers prof. dr. ir. H.H. Haisma prof. dr. L.B. Meijering dr. T.C. Vogt
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with multiple choice questions digital, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	This Master course is open - as an optional course - for Master students from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences and from disciplines related to Population Studies within the University of Groningen (e.g. Sociology, Epidemiology, Psychology, Spatial Sciences, Public Health, Medical Sciences, Cultural Anthropology, International Relationships, Gerontology, and Development Studies).

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Project and Programme Management (ID)

GEMPPM

This course focuses on the different management strategies that are used in planning practice. We use a framework which distinguishes both between output and outcome-oriented management strategies as well as between internal and external orientation. Output can be seen as specific products that are produced: for example the number of highway miles built and repaired. Outcomes are the difference made by the output: better traffic flow, shorter travel times, and fewer accidents. An internal orientation is reflected in management strategies that are defensive towards their context, while this is the other way around with an external orientation. On the basis of this framework we discuss four management strategies: project, process, multi-project and programme management. Each of the management strategies is not only discussed in theory, but also planning practitioners are invited to reflect on how these strategies work in practice. An assignment is also part of the course. In the assignment, students are required to read a business novel – which might need to be purchased – and reflect in groups on the management strategies that can be found in these books. In this way, students are both trained to understand the theoretical principals of the different approaches, as well as gain an understanding how these strategies work in practice and what are important elements to take into account.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. T. Busscher
Docent(en)	dr. T. Busscher prof. ir. W.L. Leendertse
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures
Toetsvorm	Opdracht, Tentamen digitaal
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The course has a maximum of 30 students. Environmental and Infrastructure Planning are pre-enrolled for the course. If there is still room after all EIP students have enrolled, Socio-Spatial Planning students have priority. After that entry will happen in chronological order: first come, first served.

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Qualitative Research Methods

GEMQRM

The purpose of this course is to introduce Master students to qualitative research in geography and tourism studies, and to prepare them in the skills, techniques, and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research using this methodology.

The course is organized around (most of) the contents of the handbook ‘Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography’ (edited by Iain Hay, 4th edition). In addition to theory about qualitative research methods, students will practice qualitative research in a small group project.

The first half of the term will cover issues related to qualitative research design and practice. It addresses issues of power, ethics, rigour and culture, as well as the methods interviewing, participant observation, and participatory research approaches. Students will be presented with a variety of research examples from active researchers in the faculty of Spatial Sciences, and they will discuss these in class. This part of the term will be concluded with an exam based on the readings and research presentations.

The second part of the term is dedicated to a student research project, and will address methods of data analysis. We also discuss writing up qualitative research and communicating this to wider audiences. This part of the term is concluded with a company visit and student presentations based on the research conducted during the course.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. S.L. Bolderman
Docent(en)	dr. S.L. Bolderman prof. dr. L.B. Meijering dr. A.T. Oosterhoff dr. M.I. Palomares Linares
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Independent study, Learning communities, Seminars, Excursions, Fieldwork
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Interim test with open questions digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Real Estate and Land Supply

GEMRELS

The relation between real estate and land is intricate. The square meter price of land in a metropolitan city like New York may be many times the price of those of peripheral cities, while real estate construction costs may be the same in both places. Public squares and city parks seem to have no economic value, but may generate major attractiveness to private real estate around it. Sustainable development seems to require new, greener, buildings, in the short term, but restricting the urban use of land appears to be better for energy use and mobility, also in the long term. In the context of such issues, understanding how economic processes shape configurations of real estate and land is of major importance. Developing such understanding is central to this course. This course in Real Estate and Land Supply is designed to develop students’ scientific analytical thinking about the economics and sustainable value of real estate and land developments.

The course as such has two aims. The first is to develop and sharpen our thinking about these fundamental mechanisms. Which fundamental mechanisms are at work in the many individual real estate and land developments that take place anywhere along the urban-rural continuum? The second aim is to evaluate the local economic values related to land development through spatial GIS analysis. How is a particular (re)development project situated? We learn to value changes that take place at different spatial levels as we move from the project level to local to international levels.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. M.N. Daams
Docent(en)	dr. M.N. Daams dr. D. Mantegazzi
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Computer practicals, Guest lectures, Independent study
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Individual assignments, Interim test with open questions
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Admitted to the Master of Real Estate Studies or equivalent level from other master programs.

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Real Estate Development

GEMREDEV

Planning and evaluation are key concepts in Real estate Development (RED). This course covers concepts & principles in real estate discussing its actors, development process and real estate submarkets. The course consists of Lectures and a RED Development Case. During the course students must write a RED investment proposal incorporating different applications from RED planning & economics.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. ir. A.J. van der Vlist
Docent(en)	prof. dr. ir. A.J. van der Vlist
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Independent study, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	It is assumed that students have a thoroughunderstanding of principles of planning, economic geography and finance. Maximum number of students is 48. This course is not open for exchange students.

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Real Estate Investment

GEMREI

As a popular asset class, real estate has attracted attention from both the individual and institutional investors who aim to achieve portfolio diversification, better asset liability management and inflation protection. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risk and return characteristics associated with investing in both residential and commercial real estate. This course will focus on investments in commercial and non-commercial properties, and mortgages. Specifically, we will start with property investment analysis by introducing various property valuation models and risk-return analysis. Within residential real estate investment, we will focus on the determinants of investment potential of single family housing and how to formulate sound investment analysis of potential target properties which consists of analysis of fundamentals and the establishment of market valuation. With respect to commercial real estate investment, we will first introduce the basic knowledge of rent, lease, and market forces that affect the observed rents. Next, we will concentrate on the various valuation methods of commercial real estate, i.e. sales comparable approach and income approach. Finally, we will establish investment analysis of potential target properties in terms of their associated risk and return. In the second part of the course, we will get acquainted with various mortgage products, i.e. fixed rate and variable rate mortgages and their respective risk and return characteristics from lender’s perspective.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. X. Liu
Docent(en)	S. Fang dr. X. Liu
Onderwijsvorm	Guest lectures, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Students are required to have followed the real estate finance course in 1A to build up the basic knowledge in finance. Otherwise, the book “Corporate Finance” by Berk and DeMarzo (Pearson) is highly recommended.

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Real Estate Research

GEMRERES

This course focuses on data analysis & quantitative methods that are used in real estate – broadly defined. The aim is to apply quantitative methods to real estate concepts and associated problems.

After the course, students are able to
- prepare data for quantitative analysis
- detect data problems in real estate data sources
- provide solutions for such problems
- select the appropriate method(s) for analyzing research problems
- apply statistical techniques and diagnostic tests
- write and understand STATA syntax
- interpret regression results
- write a concise scientific report based on quantitative methods and results
- give a critical assessment of the use of methods in the scientific literature

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. D. Mantegazzi
Docent(en)	dr. D. Mantegazzi dr. M. van Duijn
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	It is assumed that the students are familiair with concepts from Economic Geography and Real Estate. Furthermore, students are expected to have basic knowledge of Statistics, Mathematics and Research Methods (at least 15 ECTS is assumed).
Opmerkingen	Compulsory course unit for students Real Estate Studies, also open for FSS Research Master students. Maximum number of students is 45.

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Regional Labour Market Analysis

GEMRAMA

The labour market is by definition a regional market because of the limitation of the daily commuting distance. In the Regional Labour Market Analysis module, first of all the general notions of the functioning of the labour market will be explained in terms of individual labour market decision, leading to aggregate supply and demand, investment in education, family policies and retirement decisions. Attention will also be paid to regional differences in the functioning of the labour market with regard to unemployment, employment, wages, labour market participation, labour productivity, education, etc. There will also be a focus on spatial interactions between and within regional labour markets through migration and commuting, as well as the possibilities and limitations of regional labour market policy.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. A.J.E. Edzes
Docent(en)	dr. A.J.E. Edzes prof. dr. J. van Dijk dr. V.A. Venhorst
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Practicals, Guest lectures, Independent study
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Group assignments digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	This course is for Master students FSS and for students from other faculties who want to know more about economic aspects of human labour and the function of the labour market. Note that the theoretical components of the course (the lectures) overlaps the bachelor course Labour Economics from the faculty of Economics and Business. Not accessible for students who followed the course Labour Economics of FEB.

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Reinventing Environmental Planning

GEMREENVPL

The course discusses recent changes in the field of environmental planning related to the emergence of sustainable development as a prime governance guideline. The course explains how sustainable development challenges the reliance on reactive and regulatory based policies that have long been common in environmental planning in many countries. Sustainable development is presented as a call for more proactive policies that integrate environmental concerns in overall governance activities. These calls for governance renewal are connected to wider shifts in both planning theory and practice, away from command and control policies towards a richer variety of policy approaches, inspired by for example market processes, public and private partnerships, communicative rationality, transition management and multi-level governance. While discussing recent changes in environmental planning, students are invited and stimulated to develop a critical and constructive attitude, while drawing on a ‘post-contingency’ perspective for identifying various theoretical arguments and doubts regarding these changes. Students will subsequently be shown examples of changes in environmental planning, related to five dominant environmental issues: urban development, nature and biodiversity, climate change, air pollution and energy. Students will be invited during a written exam to critically discuss and reflect on recent changes in environmental planning. Finally, through assignments, students need to show their ability to make theoretically supported and well-argued choices between different planning strategies and measures when faced with different issues and circumstances.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. C. Zuidema
Docent(en)	dr. E. Turhan prof. dr. C. Zuidema
Onderwijsvorm	Practicals, Excursions, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Practical assignment
ECTS	5

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Research Internship

GERMRIRRI

One of the key objectives of the Research Master Degree in Regional Studies is to train students in research at an international level. This module is an important part of the degree programme, in which students conduct research in another institutional setting, which is intended to further their research skills or to serve as a basis for their Master’s thesis. In order to gain valuable experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research within a professional context, students do an internship at a renowned research institute. The students will arrange the internship themself, making use of the collaborations of FSS with other research institutes.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. ir. S.G. Weitkamp
Docent(en)	dr. ir. S.G. Weitkamp
Toetsvorm	Individual assignments digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	10
Opmerkingen	It is possible to extend the course to 15 EC.

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Research Process and Proposal Writing

GERMRPPW

In the course, students learn to go through the research process, i.e. from addressing ontological and epistemological questions, situating oneself in a paradigm, to formulation of objective and research questions, to the application of theory and conceptual models, to the definition of concepts, and selection and description of an appropriate study design. Students go through these parts of the research process by writing a research proposal for their Master’s thesis, the research for which will in principle take place in semester 2.
After the course, students have profound insight into the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of academic research in the spatial sciences. They know how to go through the research process, and can apply this in a research project of their own.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. ir. H.H. Haisma
Docent(en)	prof. dr. ir. H.H. Haisma
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Independent study, Learning communities
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Individual assignments, Oral presentation, Proposal
ECTS	5

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Revitalising Neighbourhoods

GEMRN

The city is constantly in transition. This is to say that demands, tensions and opportunities are continuously changing, which lead to new societal challenges for policy makers. In the Revitalizing Neighbourhoods course, you
explore the ‘state of the art’ of these societal challenges in neighbourhoods and reflect on urban renewal policies.

You are invited to follow the course if you are interested in the motives and changes underlying urban revitalisation. We analyse how these policies affect the people living in these specific neighbourhoods. In general, the following topics will be examined:
• Which policy interventions are suitable to contribute to the revitalisation of neighbourhoods
• How private, public and civic actors relate to one another in designing, implementing and evaluating policy interventions
• How conditions of a flourishing neighbourhood change over time and its influence on policy interventions
• How terms as ‘liveability’, ‘well-being’, ‘resilience’, ‘social cohesion’ and ‘gentrification’ are applied to understand, examine (analytical
perspective) and influence (normative perspective) changes within neighbourhoods

Similar to cities, perspectives on the revitalisation of neighbourhoods are dynamic. We will position changes in urban renewal policies within time and explore new trends. Furthermore, Dutch planning practice will be examined
in relation to other countries.

Next to lectures and in-class activities, a group assignment on social norms in neighbourhoods will be part of the course. You will assess the social network of a neighbourhood and their related social norms. Next, you will identify possible interventions and strategies for strengthening desired social norms. You are asked to independently report on your findings in a written policy advice.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. W.S. Rauws
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers dr. W.S. Rauws S. van Lanen
Onderwijsvorm	Discussion sessions, Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Only for MSc Cultural Geography, MSc Society, Sustainability and Planning and MSc Spatial Sciences. If you are in one of the other FSS master programmes and if not being able to join this course highly affects your study progress, please contact the study advisors (study.advice.fss@rug.nl). Please contact them before 24 January.

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Scientific English Writing

GERMSCWR

The course unit Scientific English Writing sharpens the students’ English writing skills in an academic context. The students use data collected and/ or analyzed in their IRT project or Research Internship to write an academic working paper. Students bring a piece of scientific writing they are working on; normally this will be the final document of the Individual Research Training and or Research Internship. At the start of the course, they have already written a first draft of this IRT or Research Internship work structured into the standard scientific paper format of introduction, methods, results and discussion sections. This structure assures effective feedback by the instructor on English writing in an academic context. Students also bring 2 or 3 iconic papers from their field to the instructor, to act as points of reference for the style of writing in the field.
The course is offered by the Language Center of the Faculty of Arts and focuses on one-to-one feedback on the progressive writings of the student; writing with the purpose of publishing academic work. To stimulate reflection on style and experience different types of feedback students will do a number of peer-reviews of each other’s work.
The course only concerns the improvement of the English text for academic publishing purposes but does not provide a scientific review of the paper being written. After the course, the working paper may be further developed into a peer reviewed journal article or other academic publication.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	dr. N. Houtzager
Onderwijsvorm	Independent study, Practicals, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Paper
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Individual Research Training (IRT) and/or Research Internship. Students must have written a first draft comprising an introduction, plus a methods, results and discussion section.
Opmerkingen	This is a second year course. In the first year, students take an English test provided by the Language Center, so they know where they stand and what they can work on.

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Scientific Reading, Debating, Reflecting

GERMSCREA

The course Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflection has as its purpose to fuel scientific curiosity and to create a stimulating atmosphere of academic freedom with room for everyday scientific observations as well as deep-digging questions. In the course students read, discuss, write and present about famous scientifically inspiring books, documentaries, and articles; also relating to the philosophy of science (1a, 1b, 1e, 1f, 2b). Furthermore, all students keep a personal scientific diary in which they track and develop their own scientific expertise, discoveries, problems, observations, and thoughts (1e, 2c). The ReMa course thus organizes doing (small scale) research from day one.
In semester 1a-1b of the first year of the ReMa students have two-weekly meetings with the first-year students, and these meeting and the final essay add up to make a 5EC course, which is separately graded.
The first year 1a-1b course ends with writing an essay. Students write an essay (approximately 1500 words; excluding references) on what they consider to be a key issue in the world of human geography. They can make use of the wide-ranging material that has come about in the classes, from books, to videos or diary entries, but can also a develop an argument from scratch. They address why they think this issue or these issues are of key importance: an essay as a (scientific) position paper. They may also address what role they see for scientific research, turning the end of the essay into a (draft) research agenda (1e, 1f, 2c, 2d, 2h).

Over 1a-2a of both years of the ReMa students have monthly meetings in which both first and second year students are together. Here also, inspiring books are discussed and students keep and share thoughts from their scientific diaries (1e, 1f, 2b). These monthly meetings, their preparation and the keeping of a scientific diary throughout the ReMa program forms the extra assignment part, the non-ECTS-part, of the Research Master. Similar to all other Research Master program in the Netherlands, it is an extra effort of students over and above their 120 ECTS program. It is graded with a pass or fail. During the monthly meetings, students present and discuss with fellow ReMa students; their scientific diary is filed in a digital format at the end of each year.

The classes take the form of group discussions, debates, and presentations directed by experienced researchers. They are designed to familiarize students with a range of analytical and expositional approaches in social science and help them find their own position and sharpen their own ideas in the social science field (2h).

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	prof. dr. D. Ballas dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Onderwijsvorm	Independent study, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Parts of books: - Jane Jacobs -The death and life of great American cities - Beate Ratter – Geography of small islands: Outposts of globalization - Enrico Moretti - The new geography of jobs - Kate Raworth – Doughnut Economics - Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett - The spirit level - Winifred Gallagher – The power of place Articles: - Martin Carrier - Social Organization of Science - David B. Resnik - Ethics in Science

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Social Impact Assessment

GEMSOCIMAS

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) can be simply defined as the processes of managing the social issues of projects. To some extent, SIA is the social equivalent of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and is part of the impact assessment family (which also includes Strategic Environmental Assessment, Biodiversity Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment, Human Rights Impact Assessment, Technology Assessment), but over time SIA has developed to be mostly about the management systems used to address social issues (at multiple levels) rather than just being a regulatory tool to determine whether project approval should be given. Sometimes, it is called ‘Social Performance’. SIA does work with regulatory agencies to contribute to decision-making and approval processes; however SIA also works with the proponent of a development plan to improve projects through project (re)design, site selection, and design and implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring programs. In addition, SIA works with project financiers (especially international financial institutions) to determine social risks and whether project financing should be approved. Finally, SIA works with NGOs to ensure projects meet international standards; and SIA works with impacted communities to assist in coping with change and planning for positive futures. SIA is best conceived as a discourse or paradigm about the management of the social issues of projects, and as being much more than the technocratic or bureaucratic procedure EIA is. This course enables students to learn about the important role SIA can play in assisting in the better implementation of planned interventions (projects, plans, policies, programmes). Upon completion of the course, students will have an increased awareness of the social impacts of spatial interventions and will be able to put this learning into practice.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. F.M.D. Vanclay
Docent(en)	prof. dr. F.M.D. Vanclay
Onderwijsvorm	Lectures, Practicals
Toetsvorm	Individual assignments
ECTS	5

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Spatial Analysis with GIS

GEMSPANGIS

This course deals with spatial analysis within Geographic Information Systems. Theory and literature will be explained in lectures, whereas the students learn to apply various spatial analysis techniques with practical exercises. Both theory and practice are assessed in a case study research, which is preferably related to the master thesis research of the student. The student needs to have basic GIS knowledge and skills when starting the course (see prerequisites).

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. ir. S.G. Weitkamp
Docent(en)	dr. D. Vos dr. ir. S.G. Weitkamp
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Individual assignments digital, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Basic level of GIS knowledge and skills are required. The student has to proof his/her level of GIS knowledge and skills by sending course outline(s) and evidence that the course(s) is successfully completed to Gerd Weitkamp (s.g.weitkamp@rug.nl). Reference to required level of knowledge and skills is the bachelor course GEGIS (see ocasys). Experience working with ArcGIS software is desired, but not obligatory.
Opmerkingen	This course has a limit of 32 students. During the registration period, Master’s students will be preliminary be admitted on the basis of first come, first served. ONLY when prerequisites are approved, the student will definitely be admitted.

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Spatial Econometrics

GEMSPECFEB

This is a course of the Faculty of Economics and Business. For more information see the course Empirical Macroeconomics, code EBM102A05.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. J.P. Elhorst
Docent(en)	prof. dr. J.P. Elhorst dr. D. Mantegazzi
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions, Individual assignments
ECTS	6
Entreevoorwaarden	Introductory course in econometrics. In the first two weeks of the course, existing knowledge is refreshed and extended with panel data models and applications in Stata.
Opmerkingen	The course is open for PhD students of FRW.

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Spatial Economics

GEMSPECON

The course starts by examining the spatial behaviour of individual firms from a theoretical perspective. The analysis is then extended to groups of firms and phenomena such as industrial clustering and agglomeration are explored both theoretically and empirically. This provides the rationale for analysing the economy of a city, its economic, social and industrial structure, and the behaviour of the various real estate markets operating within the city. We extend the argument to examine the multiplier linkages which operate between different sectors within cities and regions, and then integrate the role which labour migration and employment search processes play in the economic adjustment processes of cities and regions. The factor allocation mechanisms across space are then explored as one of the key drivers of economic growth, and we distinguish these adjustment and allocation processes from pure knowledge spillover arguments and from monetary transmission mechanisms. The implications of these various structures, systems and adjustment processes are then extended to urban and regional policy debates.

The 28 hours of lectures will be complemented with 4 hours of computer classes. These computer classes will introduce students to Geographical Information Systems and spatial modelling techniques and to how they can be used to examine and evaluate a range of spatial economic phenomena.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	prof. dr. D. Ballas
Docent(en)	prof. dr. D. Ballas Guest lecturers A. Ziogas, MSc.
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	The course is given in conjunction with the Spatial Economics MA course for geographers (EWM052B05)

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Thematic Theoretical Specialization

GERMTTO1

The course units in GERMTTO (in year 1 and in year 2) form the theoretical and thematic orientation in the research master spatial sciences. Students should acquire a rich and diverse set of knowledge and competences regarding spatial sciences and regional studies. The standard amount of theoretical and thematic courses is 30 EC. If students choose a 15EC Research Internship (instead of the standard 10EC) then 25EC of theoretical and thematic courses is required.
The theoretical and thematic orientation is the individual collection of course units focused on theory and contents that students are required to fulfil during their Research Master Programme.
The theoretical and thematic course units provided by the faculty are presented in the Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER). The course units reflect recent developments and discussions in the specific academic disciplines within the spatial sciences. Besides courses at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences students are allowed to follow master-level courses on other faculties or universities. Students have a.o. followed modules at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Philosophy, and at Utrecht University, Wageningen University and the University of Amsterdam in the past.

For students following one of the Research Master specializations (Cultural Geography, Economic Geography etc) many courses are predetermined, but limited choice options are still available. Please check the ReMa specialisation document at the master website (https://www.rug.nl/masters/spatial-sciences-research/), and contact the coordinators (of the specialization master and the ReMa) in case advice or approval is needed.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
ECTS	20
Opmerkingen	Students choose 30 ECTS in this module. However if they decide to do their Research Internship at a Research Institute for 15 ECTS (instead of the regular 10 ECTS) then they choose 25 ECTS here.

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Thematic Theoretical Specialization

GERMTTO2

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
Docent(en)	dr. F.J. Sijtsma
ECTS	10
Opmerkingen	Students choose 30 ECTS in this module. However if they decide to do their Research Internship at a Research Institute for 15 ECTS (instead of the regular 10 ECTS) then they choose 25 ECTS here.

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Tourism and Culture

GEMTC

Tourism is one of the biggest industries worldwide. During this course we analyze the modern culture of tourism through classic theories and key concepts, discussing questions such as why people travel, and what being a tourist exactly means. We connect the classic theories and core concepts to state of the art research in the field of cultural tourism, discussing specific cases involving indigenous, ethnic and minority tourism; dark tourism; media tourism; and arts, festivals and creative tourism. Students will explore the theories and concepts offered through their own qualitative research project, reflecting on what tourism experience means in current socio-cultural practice.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. S.L. Bolderman
Docent(en)	dr. S.L. Bolderman
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Independent study, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Group assignments, Individual assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	General requirements master.
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 20. The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Tourism and Regional Development

GEMTRDW

The tourism sector often functions as a policy tool to achieve regional development outcomes. From this perspective, tourism development is seen to lead to regional synergy effects, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative benefits for destinations. However, practically analysing and achieving these regional development impacts is often problematic because of the uneven dispersal of impacts in space, among stakeholders, and between economic, ecological and socio-cultural spheres.

This course examines the role of tourism in regional development questions in theory and in practice, in areas such as the transnational Wadden Sea region. Combining general insights in the development issues and tourism potential of specific areas with knowledge on regional economic policy, cross-border governance, and sense of place, this course allows students to tackle the topic of tourism and regional development from a multifaceted, holistic and region-oriented perspective. Students will also become familiar with several measurement approaches and techniques to practically evaluate the role of tourism in regional economic and community development. The course will employ a problem-based learning approach, which promotes and enhances the students’ analytical kills, problem solving skills and team working skills.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. H.J.W. Stoffelen
Docent(en)	dr. H.J.W. Stoffelen
Onderwijsvorm	Fieldwork, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Oral presentation
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 30. The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Tourism Planning & Practice

GEMTPP

The course Tourism Planning & Practice focuses on the tourism planning and policymaking of destinations, and the critical reflection thereof based on insights from tourism practice. The course addresses:
1) the fundaments of tourism planning by discussing key approaches and instruments (e.g. strategic planning, strategic foresight, scenario planning)
2) a first-hand experience with policy-making (in conjunction with the European Tourism Futures Institute – www.etfi.eu)
3) the critical refection of key concepts and their applications to practice (e.g. transition, adaptive capacity, resilience) based on insights from tourism practice.

Context of the course: the broader leisure economy, guest economy or visitor economy – notions used in The Netherlands as well as internationally to refer to the industry cluster of tourism, recreation, leisure and events – is a fast growing and a very dynamic economy. The government can be regarded as a major influence on the development of the leisure and tourism industry. It is able to steer and shape its development by means of laws, policies and planning strategies. However, the leisure economy is not the only field societies and governments have to deal with. There are many more interests, for instance regarding landscape, ecology, infrastructure, industries, agriculture, etc. As a result, the nature of leisure and tourism policy-making is complex. It is therefore essential for future decision makers in the leisure and tourism industry to develop a clear understanding of the theories and approaches from which leisure and tourism public policy and planning can be developed; the forces which shape leisure and tourism policy, planning, and development; and the impact policy has on society and the political system.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. S. Hartman
Docent(en)	dr. S. Hartman
Onderwijsvorm	Excursions, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Practicals, Seminars
Toetsvorm	Active participation, Examination with open questions, Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Compulsory for students of the Tourism Geography & Planning mastertrack. Elective for all others. Maximum number of students is 20. The course will be given in Leeuwarden.

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Transitions in Water Management

GEMTRWATM

Due to continuous urbanisation and the increasing impacts of climate change, flood risks in delta areas are increasing, and, as a consequence, water management is high on the international political and societal agenda. Worldwide, the need is recognized to develop strategies and measures to adapt land use to the already occurring effects of climate change, and to develop integrated and adaptive approaches for dealing with water issues in low-lying urban deltas. The development and implementation of these integrated and adaptive approaches is however not an easy task, as they often involve a substantive and/or governance transition in water management.
Drawing on a theoretical exploration of the nature of water transitions (including the notions of flood resilience and adaptability in both planning and design), and the way in which transitions can be managed, the course focuses on identifying current transitions in water management in relation to climate change, and on discussing issues and dilemmas in the attempts to manage these water transitions in establishing resilient delta areas. Through a group assignment, students will develop the capacity to suggest practical strategies and possibilities for water transition management for specific planning situations.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. M.A. van den Brink
Docent(en)	Guest lecturers dr. ir. J. Kempenaar dr. M.A. van den Brink
Onderwijsvorm	Seminars, Guest lectures, Lectures
Toetsvorm	Examination with open questions digital, Group assignments
ECTS	5
Opmerkingen	Maximum number of students is 75. There is a pre-registration for master EIP students. After that, for other master students, first come first serve.

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Working with Data in Population Research

GEMWDPR

The course provides an overview of different demographic data sources, both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection, and measures and methods used in the analysis of population-level demographic data.
Data sources that are introduced include census, register data, and surveys. The covered techniques of data collection include surveys, focus-group discussions, in-depth interviewing, and observation. In addition, we discuss the population pyramid, demographic rates and probabilities, age standardization, decomposition methods, fertility and mortality measures.
Focus is on practical issues, such as which data to use for which research question, how to collect demographic data, how to interpret demographic measures, and how to conduct demographic analyses. In addition, a critical attitude will be taken, with a focus on ethical issues and data quality issues.
The course combines formal teaching sessions with practical activities, such as group discussions, classroom practical sessions, and computer labs.
The course will be divided into two parts: the first one dealing with qualitative data collection techniques, and the second one presenting secondary quantitative demographic data collection techniques, and major demographic measures.

Faculteit	Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Voertaal	Engels
Coordinator	dr. A.P.P. Remund
Docent(en)	A. Artamonova dr. B. de Haas Guest lecturers dr. A.P.P. Remund J.A.K. Thomassen J.W. Venema, MSc.
Onderwijsvorm	Computer practicals, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Practicals
Toetsvorm	Group assignments, Individual assignments
ECTS	5
Entreevoorwaarden	Prerequisites for the course are knowledge on using Excel. It is advised that students complete an Excel web tutorial before the start of part two of the course.
Opmerkingen	*This book (Demography: measuring and modeling population processes) is also used within the course Life Table and Population Projections. Compulsory for students of the Master in Population Studies. Elective for ReMa students. 20-30 students (based on availability of computers).

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