Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course titled "Rural Landscapes: Transformation and Governance" as part of its MSc programs in Geography and Geoinformatics, Nature Management, and Landscape Architecture.

Course Description

Rural landscapes cover more than a third of the earth and contribute significantly to food and fiber production. However, they also serve as arenas for various activities and processes, including energy production, residential, recreational, tourism, and biodiversity functions. As societies evolve, new demands for recreation, nature, environmental, and cultural heritage protection contrast with traditional rural production functions. The course examines landscapes as multifunctional arenas where interests of different sectors and actors need to be accommodated and conflicts between sometimes opposing interests need to be recognized, managed, and resolved.

Aims of the Course

The aims of the course are:

1. To study and discuss processes of contemporary rural landscape changes, including driving forces, impacts, functions, and conflicts in different landscapes.
2. To discuss rural landscape change from the perspective of important societal agendas, including opportunities and challenges for a green transition.
3. To give insights into theories and methods to identify landscape characteristics, qualities, values, and resilience.
4. To introduce different approaches and strategies to rural landscape planning and governance within the wider framework of national and international policies.

Learning Outcome

The course provides:

• Methods for analysis, description, and assessment of landscapes.
• Methods for examination of preferences, values, and attitudes.
• Local, national, and international policies related to rural landscape planning and governance.
• Planning processes, governance, and actor analysis.
• Contemporary trajectories of landscape change, their driving forces, and impacts.

Literature

An electronic compendium is available, with more information provided on the Absalon course page.

Recommended Academic Qualifications

Basic knowledge of landscape functions, processes, and changes (bachelor level) is recommended.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, exercises, seminars, and excursions. Most lectures are followed by seminars where students are asked to give small presentations or participate in group discussions or exercises.

Workload

• Preparation: 154 hours
• Theory exercises: 42 hours
• Excursions: 10 hours
• Total: 206 hours

Assessment

The course is assessed through a written assignment prepared individually by the students during the course. The assignment includes 2-4 papers and must be handed in by the end of the course. All aids are allowed.

Marking Scale

The course uses a 7-point grading scale.

Re-exam

The re-exam involves re-submission of papers from the ordinary examination, followed by a 15-minute oral examination without preparation. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: NIGK23009U
• Credit: 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 1 block
• Placement: Block 2
• Schedule: C
• Course capacity: 30

Study Board

The course is under the Study Board of Geosciences and Management.

Contracting Department

The contracting department is the Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management.

Contracting Faculty

The contracting faculty is the Faculty of Science.

Course Coordinators

The course coordinators are Søren Bech Pilgaard Kristensen and Lone Søderkvist Kristensen.

Lecturers

The lecturers include Anne Gravsholt Busck, Lone Søderkvist Kristensen, and Søren Bech Pilgaard Kristensen.