LNAK10081U Nature Perception - Theories and Methods for Investigation
MSc Programme in Environmental Science
MSc Programme in Landscape Architecture
MSc Programme in Nature Management
Want to work professionally with a variety of stakeholders in nature projects?
In this problem and knowledge based course you will learn about how nature conflicts are embedded in different nature views and values, and how to analyse various stakeholders nature perception in theory and exercises. By applied theory and discussion, the course explores people’s visions, ideas and values related to real-life cases of nature and landscape management. Visions, ideas and values of the involved stakeholders, e.g. full time farmers, hobby farmers, foresters, culture heritage managers, biologists, locals, and visitors to the countryside might serve as examples of different and often conflicting interests in the same area. Knowledge on such stakeholders’ nature perception and nature values are central to sustainability thinking. The course relates to problem areas addressed in the following sustainability development goals: 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land).
In lectures you will be introduced to different methods, approaches and frameworks for analysing perceptions of nature, i.e. visions, concepts, images or views of nature. We will study frameworks from environmental psychology, anthropology, sociology, environmental ethics, human geography, and landscape research. Concepts such as rewilding; value orientations; environmental framing; social representations; place attachment; myth of nature; faking nature; human-nature relationships; nature connectedness, and cultural ecosystem services are addressed. Further, values of selected groups of people are presented and discussed. Based on introductory lectures the use of different frameworks for investigations of perceptions of nature are exercised based on real life cases.
The course has two overall goals: to make the students aware of
their personal biases in relation to nature values; and to enable
them to identify, analyze and compare the meanings of nature of
different stakeholders in order to generate appropriate solutions
to problems and/or conflicts regarding nature and landscape.
Knowledge: Present examples of different theories and methodologies
for analyzing meanings of nature and describe and compare their
content
Skills: Ability to select and use methods and theories for analyses
and comparison of nature perception in concrete cases.
Competences: Ability to present and discuss similarities and
differences of nature perception based on theories and
empery.
Please see Absalon.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 40
- Preparation
- 133
- Exercises
- 21
- Excursions
- 12
- Total
- 206
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignment, during courseOral examination, 25 minutes
- Type of assessment details
- An individual written synopsis on a self-selected case is
handed in before the oral exam.
In the oral exam, the written synopsis is elaborated by the student in an oral presentation (10 minutes), followed by a discussion with teachers and censor (15 minutes).
Weight: Written synopsis 30%, oral examination 70%. - Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Re-exam
An individual written synopsis on a self-selected case is handed in before the oral exam.
The written synopsis is elaborated by the student in an oral presentation (10 minutes), followed by a discussion (15 minutes).
Weight: Written synopsis 30%, oral examination 70%.
Criteria for exam assesment
The assessment is based on the intended learning outcomes and syllabus
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- LNAK10081U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- 40
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Geosciences and Management
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Anton Stahl Olafsson (asol@ign.ku.dk)
- Sandra Gentin (sgentin@ign.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Anton Stahl Olafsson, Sandra Gentin and more