LU0056 International Rural Development I, 10.0 credits

International Rural Development I

The course is given Agriculture Programme - Rural Development, Agriculture Programme - Economics and Management, Agriculture Programme (admission before 1 July 2007), Agriculture Programme - Soil/Plant, Agriculture Programme - Food and EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science

Syllabus approved: 2010-10-11  (from SS 2012)

Subjects: Rural Development/Agricultural Science

Education cycle: Advanced cycle

Advanced study in the main field: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements (A1N)

Marking scale: 5:Pass with Distinction, 4:Pass with Credit, 3:Pass, U:Fail
The requirements for attaining different grades are described in the course assessment criteria which are contained in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information on assessment criteria shall be made available at the start of the course.

Prerequisites:
At least 120 hp , of which 90 hp are in rural development or other relevant social and/or natural science subjects. Skills in English equivalent to English B from upper secondary school in Sweden.

Objective:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of ecological, social, political and economic aspects of rural development in low-income countries. In order to achieve this aim the course offers a basic introduction to relevant theoretical frameworks, and discussions concerning aspects of rural livelihoods.
This course will provide students with insights into main potentials of and obstacles to rural development in the world today.
Upon completion of the course, the students shall be able to:
- discuss theoretical and practical aspects of rural development in the South.
- discuss main aspects of rural settings and livelihood strategies.
- compare and discuss how different notions of development are linked to contemporary processes of globalization, environmental issues, and social changes.

Content
This interdisciplinary course focuses on ecological, social, and economic factors of rural development. The course is suitable for all university students, regardless of disciplinary background, who are interested in expanding their knowledge of rural development, and furthermore want to be able to identify problems and potentials of rural livelihoods
The course compares and analyzes different rural problems and potentials of development and underdevelopment, drawing on examples from the major regions of the South. Furthermore, the course includes discussions concerning important aspects of rural livelihoods, such as food security, natural resource management, climate change, social organization and gender.
The course introduces the students to basic concepts and discussions in social and agricultural sciences, and development theories.
Besides lectures the students will participate in discussion seminars and group work.

Literature:
Joint course literature is established separately and is listed in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information about joint course literature shall be made available not later than eight (8) weeks prior to course start.

Requirements for examination:
Written and/or oral exam, project work, presentations and exercises.

Approved examination and participation in compulsory sessions.

General regulations and guidelines for assessment and grading is established in the regulations for education in first and second cycle at SLU.

Additional information
According to a decision by the Vice Chancellor from 1 nov 2011, students on the programme Agricultural - Rural Development are given priority to 25 of the places on the course.

Responsible department
Department of Urban and Rural Development

Location
Uppsala