This module addresses the various theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of conflict and cooperation over shared water resources. It teaches students the basic concepts, approaches and tools of water conflict and cooperation - including the different legal, political, institutional and technical dimensions. Learning is facilitated through a number of case studies, exercises, discussions with practitioners and other interactive formats.
Learning will be assessed through a literature review and a related essay and a written exam.
Acknowledging that addressing complex water problems requires the ability to combine insights and skills from natural sciences, engineering and social sciences, the Water Management Programme Committee as well as the accreditation committee of NVAO consider interdisciplinarity as one of the main features and strengths of the WM master programme. We recognize that the water professionals we educate should be well versed in relevant theories, and combine practical skills, tools and methods with the ability to critically reflect on these against larger objectives of sustainability and development. While teaching the various elements, to date attention to the integration of insights from different disciplines has remained implicit. The WMPC has expressed the ambition to more explicitly teach the ‘how’s’ and ‘what’s’ interdisciplinarity and integration by dedicating more efforts and energy to this. Towards this goal, this "Water Management and Governance student forum"will be initiated during 2016-2018 academic year.
