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Syllabus

LK0386 Urban Agriculture and Social Interaction, 15.0 Credits

Urban Agriculture and Social Interaction

Subjects

Horticultural Science Landscape Architecture Landscape Architecture Horticultural science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, of which



specific entry requirements: 60 credits in one of the following subjects:



• architecture

• landscape architecture

• landscape planning

• built environment

• design

• spatial planning

• geography

• landscape science

• environmental science

• biology

• horticultural Science

• agricultural Science





and



English 6 or equivalent.

Objectives

The course is interdisciplinary on the theme urban agriculture with a specialisation towards social and ecological sustainable development. The learning outcomes extend from a general society-oriented level to a more local and concrete plan for urban agriculture. On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• from a global perspective, explain certain basic relationships between sustainable urban development and how initiatives of urban agriculture take form in different parts of the world.

• identify authentic examples of urban agriculture from their different possibilities and resources locally and problematise their relation to an urban planning.

• understand and relate the importance of cultivation for the health and well-being of people and and as a catalyst for local commitment.

• perform a site analysis that takes into consideration the identity of places, cultural values, the availability of the location and practical conditions for cultivation.

• account for possible cultivation, distribution and storage systems in urban environment and be able to compare these from a resource and knowledge requirements and cultivation safety point of view.

• have developed understanding of how different choices of small-scale cropping systems influence surrounding environment, biological diversity, ecosystem services and the human health.

• have knowledge of communicative and educational tools within urban agriculture.

Content

The contents extend from a general, society-oriented level to a more local and concrete level plan for urban agriculture. Common concepts and definitions within urban agriculture in Swedish and international conditions as well as development of urban agriculture in a historical perspective will be discussed. Starting from site analysis, which takes into consideration place identity, cultural values, the availability of the location and practical conditions for cultivation, understanding of the importance of cultivation for participation and human health and well-being and how choice of small-scale cropping systems influences surrounding environment, biological diversity and ecosystem services, will be developed.

Identified examples of urban agriculture will be analysed from their different possibilities and locally available resources, their relation to municipal administration and private property owners and if/how they can function as a catalyst for local commitment.

Knowledge about possible cultivation, distribution and storage systems in the urban environment will be discussed as well as plant protection strategies and cultivation safety.

Moreover, flow analysis and sustainable recirculation will be considered as well as the principles behind the choice of plant and animals for the sustainable agrosystem based on knowledge of resistance biology, ecosystem services and the multifunctionality of species. It is obligatory to participate in seminars.

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

Examination consists of written and oral presentations. To pass the course, passed written and oral presentations and project work are required, and participation in compulsory parts.

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

Transitional provisions

• Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) will be offered within two years of the decision to discontinue the course. • Compulsory components: At least one opportunity for a retake session will be offered within two years of the decision to discontinue the course.

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 is directed to students on Horticultural Management, Horticultural Science, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Engineer, Agricultural and Rural Management Programmes, the Landscape Architecture – Master’s Programme and external students.



Courses in Landscape Planning from SLU counts as Landscape Architecture when assessing qualifications.