Course
Responsible Tourism and Ethics (BRL201)
The course entails a thorough exploration of topics crucial for the responsible management of tourism. Topics including the positive and negative consequencs of tourism, current industry trends, ethical principles and conflicts are comprehensively being covered. The exploration extends to both natural environments and local cultures in connection with these issues and challenges. The course also explores various management techniques used to minimize the challenges that may arise as a result of tourism.
Dette er emnebeskrivelsen for studieåret 2025-2026. Merk at det kan komme endringer.
Semesters
Fakta
Emnekode
BRL201
Vekting (stp)
10
Semester undervisningsstart
Autumn
Undervisningsspråk
English
Antall semestre
1
Vurderingssemester
Autumn
Content
This course takes a critical and contemporary approach to studying tourism development, demand, and management, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities beyond individual businesses and recognizing broader ethical implications within the tourism industry. Students will explore how tourism can serve as a driver for sustainable development through its potential to impact various facets of society, including economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions. Key topics included; Equitable distribution of benefits for local communities; Cultural sensitivity in tourism, promoting respect and preservation of local cultures and traditions; Conservation of natural resources, through exploring practices that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.
From a management perspective, the course introduces fundamental strategies for addressing industry challenges, exploring for example corporate social responsibility principles as essential components of informed decision-making and responsible development. This foundational understanding of CSR and ESG will help students recognize the critical role these ethical frameworks play in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
Examples of important topics in the course:
- the main principles of responsible tourism
- the magnitude of tourism impacts and challenges such as cultural conflicts linked to global tourism
- management strategies and tools in sustainable tourism
- the influence of environmental and human rights organisations on tourism behavior
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of this course, the candidate:
• Will have knowledge about the broader concepts of responsible tourism.
• Will develop a comprehensive understanding of the effects of tourism on people, nature and communities as well as global challenges facing the tourism industry.
• Will have knowledge of the role of corporate responsibility frameworks, such as CSR and ESG, as strategies for addressing ethical, social, and environmental issues in the tourism industry.
Skills
Upon completion of this course, the candidate:
• Will be able to use relevant concepts, techniques, and other materials to assess methods to develop tourism in a more responsible direction.
• Will have the ability to critically discuss and reflect upon responsible tourism and its core principles in relation to other concepts of tourism.
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of corporate responsibility initiatives in promoting responsible tourism
General competence
Upon completion of this course, the candidate will be able to:
• Foster awareness of responsible tourism practices and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry both locally and globally.
• Engage in informed analysis and discussion on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism industry, considering the responsibilities of different stakeholders.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to analyse and propose solutions for challenges within the tourism industry, both orally and in writing.
Forkunnskapskrav
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid | Exam system | Withdrawal deadline | Exam date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster evaluation | 1/5 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | Inspera assessment | — | — | |
| Home exam in groups | 4/5 | Letter grades | Inspera assessment | — | — |
The home exam is to be completed in groups of up to 3 students.
A mandatory oral academic poster presentation is required to obtain the final course grade. Further instructions on the presentation will be provided at the start of the semester.
The digital poster will be submitted and assessed on a grading scale of A-F.
Vilkår for å gå opp til eksamen/vurdering
At the end of the semester, each group will present their project in a digital poster session. The presentation, delivered in a pitch format, is compulsory for all group members.
Throughout the semester, there will be mandatory workshops and seminars, including guest lectures, requiring a minimum attendance of 75%. Further details will be provided at the start of the semester.
Fagperson(er)
Course coordinator:
Åsa Helen GrahnCourse teacher:
Trude FurunesHead of Department:
Trude FurunesMethod of work
Lectures, guest lectures, home exam and presentations will be in English.
In this course, interactive online modules will be used, including quizzes, interactive case studies, and multimedia content (e.g., videos, podcasts, scenarios/simulations) that students can engage with at their own pace. In addition, live sessions (webinars and online workshops) will provide real-time engagement with the instructor or guest speakers.