Type of course

Course content

The Ocean Leadership program aims to strengthen participants’ competences to develop integrated solutions for the sustainable conservation and use of the ocean.

The first course of the program provides an overview of the key framing concept of sustainability together with the wide range of human interactions with the ocean (e.g., food and energy production, transport, tourism, and conservation). Highlighting the need to manage potential conflicts (e.g., between different users and uses, and between the goals of conservation and use) and the importance of coordinated management, the course introduces legal regimes of relevance, as well as key approaches for integrative ocean governance (such as integrated ocean management and marine spatial planning). Situating the multiplicity of human/ocean interactions within the broader context of wide-ranging digital transformations, the course also reviews digital tools and platforms available to support coordinated ocean research and management.

As the introductory course, SVF-3401 takes time to establish the underlying approach and philosophy of the Ocean Leadership program. This includes an introduction to systems thinking (particularly interactions between social, ecological and technical systems) and an emphasis on the importance of collaboration (particularly across disciplines and sectors). Aligned with this, the course spotlights collaborative leadership theory, and includes work to build knowledge and skills related to presencing, effective communication, and team building. It also provides important foundational knowledge and skills for postgraduate scholarly work, e.g., in information literacy and research ethics.

Throughout the course, participants will be expected to consider how the information and training presented relates to their own professional work context, and to share their knowledge and experience with the group in the collaborative peer-peer learning environment of the program.

Objectives of the course

The candidates who complete the course are expected to have achieved the following outcomes:

Knowledge: 

Upon completion of the course, participants will have developed:

• understanding of the concept of sustainability and the importance of systems perspectives
• understanding of the term governance and familiarity with basic rules and legal regimes for the management and use of marine resources
• awareness of ocean digitalization and digital tools and platforms available for ocean management
• awareness of diverse interests in ocean resources and the potential for conflicts between them
• familiarity with key concepts and practices of collaborative leadership

Skills:

Upon completion of the course, participants will have advanced their ability to:

• utilize tools to locate different sources of information relevant to ocean leadership
• accurately cite sources of information and engage in critical reflection
• identify different stakeholders and types of knowledge relevant for understanding and addressing problems related to ocean sustainability
• work in diverse teams to analyse ocean sustainability challenges and propose creative recommendations
• facilitate teamwork through being able to become present and attentive, practice non-judgemental forms of listening, and give and take constructive feedback

General competence: 

Upon completion of the course, participants will have the ability to:

• describe important challenges linked to ocean sustainability and the need for leadership, governance, and innovation
• appreciate and explore different perspectives on complex issues
• recognise the value of working with diverse stakeholders and types of knowledge
• employ relevant knowledge and skills of ocean leadership in practical/concrete assignments
• reflect on their own leadership journey, approaches, and experiences

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

The course is taught through a combination of face-to-face "intensives" - in which participants come together to learn, share experiences, practice skills, and integrate knowledge - and online modules that can be completed by participants asynchronously in their own time and at their own pace.

The intensive sessions run over 4.5 days, with one scheduled at the beginning of the semester and one towards the end of semester. These sessions include lectures on diverse topics from faculty and invited international experts, as well as interactive discussions and seminars on the course topics. During the first intensive of the semester, participants will also form teams to collaboratively work on a problem-based project throughout the semester. During the second intensive session of the semester, participants will have an opportunity to present and receive feedback on their collaborative projects.

Between the two intensive sessions, participants will complete a range of online modules focused on key course themes such as sustainability, leadership, law and governance, digital technologies, and research skills. They will also collaborate actively in their teams to understand, analyze and develop recommendations on their selected ocean sustainability challenge.

The program has ambitious learning goals and will require substantial amounts of high-quality work between the two intensive sessions. Online virtual meetups are therefore also scheduled approximately once a month to support this. These virtual meetups provide opportunities for participants to connect, discuss online materials, and/or obtain feedback on their assessment work in progress.

The teaching in the course draws on a range of methods and materials, including lectures, panel discussions, interactive exercises, instructional videos, short films, podcasts, discussion fora, reflective practice, and readings.