LNAK10073U Rural Landscapes: Methods and Approaches in Policy Making
MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture (Agris
Mundus)
MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Landscape Architecture
MSc Programme in Nature Management
Rural landscapes cover more than a third of the earth and contribute most of the food and fiber consumed by human populations. At the same time rural landscapes are home to wild flora and fauna which exist alongside human settlement and industry, forming patterns adapted both to the natural conditions of the land and the social conditions of society. As such rural landscapes are manifestations of the way in which human societies organize and use their environment through continuous processes of decision making, forming an interface between society and its ecological basis.
Rural landscapes are constantly changing in response to
natural and social processes of transformation. Currently the
influence of these changes on 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 to identify
landscape characteristics, qualities, values and sustainability. 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 the M.Sc. education in Nature Management. The course also
constitutes an important supplement to candidates involved in
studies of sustainability science, forestry, agronomy, biology,
geography, environmental management, environmental anthropology and
rural sociology.
Teaching is organized around three themes:
(1) Methods for analysis, assessment and evaluation of
landscapes, including an introduction to: Spatial analysis and
categorization of landscapes, visual analysis, value- and
vulnerability analyses as well as an 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 approachesand strategies for the
protection and enhancement of rural landscapes, including the
following subjects: Designations and
regulation, agri-environmental policies, other
incentives, persuasion and public participation,
planning processes and mediation of dialogue.
On completion of the course, students should be able to
demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and competences:
Knowledge:
- Describe contemporary trajectories of landscape change, their
driving forces and impacts
- Describe methods for analysis, description and assessment of
landscapes
- Describe methods for examination of preferences, values and
attitudes
- Describe principles of planning 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:
- Discuss rural landscape policies and strategies in a wider
context
- Work as an individual as well as in groups with people from different disciplines
- Hold a critical and reflective view on contemporary approaches and strategies related to the use and protection of rural landscapes
Books:
Selman, P. (2006). Planning at the Landscape Scale.
Routhledge:Oxon
Electronic compendium with seleceted articles
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 9
- Excursions
- 9
- Lectures
- 45
- Preparation
- 107
- Theory exercises
- 36
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignment, during courseAt 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. The background material on which papers build may be derived partly from exercise work done in groups during the course. 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
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- LNAK10073U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- 40
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Geosciences and Management
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Andreas Aagaard Christensen (anaach@ign.ku.dk)
- Lone Søderkvist Kristensen (lokr@ign.ku.dk)