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Syllabus

SV0061 National and International Forest Policy, 15.0 Credits

Nationell och internationell skogspolitik

Subjects

Forestry Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of

120 credits

60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study

- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management
- economics
- political science

English 6.

Objectives

The course has two primary objectives: to provide a wide perspective beyond traditional forestry disciplines by examining interactions between forests and society, and to scrutinise international forest regimes and national forest policies with focus on their implications for sustainable forest management.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• recognise regional, European and global forestry structures, including resources, actors and processes
• explain the complex linkages between forest-related policies and forest management practices
• critically analyse national and international forest policy issues and processes
• debate forest policy issues in an international context, advocate own viewpoints
• write reflective reports
• reflect on own learning.

Content

The first weeks of the course primarily deal with national forest policy processes and approaches to policy analysis. Students get acquainted with forest governance in the countries represented by their peers. Class work in the following weeks covers a variety of more specific topics, such as property right regimes, future and markets, forest certification as well as European and global forest policies. Among other things, students participate in debates with external stakeholders on hot policy issues. At the end of the course, we undertake a study trip, with focus on comparing forest policies in selected countries or regions. The course has a wide thematic scope and also the ambition to develop generic skills such as competent debating and deep reflection. Therefore, the pace of the course is high, requiring active students’ participation in diverse course activities.

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: Lectures, literature studies, exercises, role play, written assignments, seminars, study visits, study trips, presentations.

Delivered by an international teacher team, the class work includes lectures intermingled with exercises in groups and presentations by students. Activities outside the class include a visit to a private forest estate, readings of scientific literature, elaboration of essays, and writing a reflective journal.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: 
Information competence, critical thinking and reflection, problem solving, scientific methods, oral and written communication, teamwork.

The following course components are compulsory:
Seminars, study visits and study trip.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through
inviting lectures from forestry practice, visiting private forest owners in Scania.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examinations.

Approved written exercises.

Completed compulsory components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The course includes a two-week study trip. The cost of the trip will be shared between the department and the students. The amount students are expected to pay will range from 2000 to 3000 SEK.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre