Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LK0436 Urban challenges, 15.0 Credits

Stadens utmaningar

Subjects

Landscape Architecture

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

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits of which 90 are from a specialisation in one of the following main fields of study:



\- architecture

\- built environment

\- buidling science

\- spatial planning

\- business administration

\- geography

\- cultural and human geography 

\- landscape architecture

\- landscape science

\- leadership and organisation

\- environmental sciences

\- economics

\- civil engineering

\- urban and regional planning

\- political science

\- technology

A degree project or independent project of a minimum 15 credits in one of the main fields of study listed.

Knowledge of Swedish that meets the general entry requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes at Swedish higher education institutions.

English 6.

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an increased understanding of urban challenges, and how it is possible to create a sustainable society focusing on collaborations between ecological, economic, social and cultural factors. The course provides a broad introduction to the field of sustainable urban development.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• find, compile and present information about urban challenges and potential, both orally and in writing based on ecological, economic, social and cultural aspects relevant to sustainable urban development
• formulate relevant questions limited to sustainable urban development and subsequently draw conclusions with help from relevant concepts and theories
• understand and explain the complexity of modern sustainability challenges faced by cities
• problematise and analyse the needs and interests of various user groups in urban environments, and place these in relation the physical environment, such as built environments, climate, ecological conditions, geographical placement and demographics
• understand and explain the conditions and relationships that exist in cities, the area that surrounds them and rural areas.

Content

The course provides an introduction to urban challenges and links them to national and global targets. To be able to plan for sustainable urban areas, we need to know which possible solutions are available. These will be addressed during the course. The course brings together people from different educational and professional backgrounds, whose skills and knowledge, when combined, contribute to understanding urban areas.

Lectures with researchers and professionals within sustainable urban development place focus on urban situations and the power of change, giving students an insight into current issues. Seminars provide students with insight into current social challenges, enable them to practise presentation techniques and condensing information.

The course includes a number of more comprehensive projects with specialisation in specific themes, in which students will apply the knowledge they have acquired. 

Teaching formats:

Critical thinking, problem solving, written and oral communication, cooperation and independence are all basic skills that are trained during the course, alongside time management and independence.

The project is documented and presented through regular submissions. Seminars may be compulsory or give partial credit towards the final examination.

The course includes: lectures, specific literatures, seminars and individual assignments.

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

Written reports and individual assignments are the primary examination formats. To pass the course, students must participate in the 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 is given at a 50% pace, with lectures and classes taking place in the afternoon. Teaching is based in Alnarp. Lectures may be held in English if necessary.

Responsible department

Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management