LNAK10073U Rural Landscapes: Methods and Approaches in Policy Making

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture (Agris Mundus)
MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Landscape Architecture
MSc Programme in Nature Management

Content

Rural landscapes are constantly chaning partly because of natural processes and partly because of human impact. At the same time the quality of our landscapes are receiving increasing attention. The aim of the course is to present knowledge about contemporary landscape changes and its driving forces and to give insights into theories and methods about how to identify landscape characteristics, qualities, values and sensitivity. In addition the course will present knowledge about policy approaches and strategies for the protection, preservation and enhancement of rural landscapes. The course gives insight into some of the core issues of Msc in Nature Management, however, the course also constitutes important supplement to candidates involved in studies of forestry, agronomy, biology, geography and rural sociology. 

Teaching is organised around three themes:

(1) Methods for analysis, assessment and evaluation of landscape including introduction to: Area- and spatial-(visual) analyses, value- and vulnerability analyses as well as introduction to the concept of landscape character assessment.

(2) Methods for examining preferences, values and attitudes in relation to landscapes including: interviews and different types of preference examination methods

(3) Policy approaches and strategies for the protection and enhancement of rural landscapes include the following subjects:
designations and regulation, agri-environmental policies other incentives, persuasion and public participation

Learning Outcome

On completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and competences:

Knowledge:
- Describe the contemporary landscape development, its driving forces and impact
- Describe methods for analysis, description and assessment of landscapes
- Describe methods for examination of preferences, values and attitudes
- Describe principles of plan and policy strategies related to the protection, maintenance and enhancement of rural landscapes

Skills:
- Apply methods for description, analysis and assessment of landscapes
- Apply methods for examination of preferences, values and attitudes
- Formulate and communicate strategies for the protection, maintenance and enhancement of rural landscapes

Competences:
- Work as an individual as well as in groups with people from different disciplines
- Discuss rural landscape policies and strategies in a wider context
- Hold a critical and reflective view on contemporary approaches and strategies related to the use and protection of rural landscapes

Literature

Books:
Selman, P. (2006). Planning at the Landscape Scale. Routhledge:Oxon

Electronic compendium with seleceted articles

Basic knowlege about environmental and planning legislation
Basic knowledge about landscapes: their formation and ecology
Teaching is given in the form of lectures, theoretical exercises, seminars and excursions. Most lectures will be followed by seminars, where students are asked to give small presentations or by group discussions or exercises. Exercises are done in groups and will mostly be finalised by a group presentation.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 9
  • Excursions
  • 9
  • Lectures
  • 45
  • Preparation
  • 107
  • Theory exercises
  • 36
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
At the end of the course 2-5 papers have to be submitted. This delivery constitutes the exam. The papers are related to both the course literature and the exercises assigned throughout the course. Each paper has to be prepared individually. A list of compulsory paper topics will be ready by the beginning of the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Re-submission of papers from ordinary examination, followed by 30 minuttes oral examination. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome