Introduction to rural development

LU0102 Introduction to rural development, 15.0 Credits

Introduktion till landsbygdsutveckling

Syllabus approved

2020-12-10

Subjects

Rural Development

Education cycle

First cycle

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, entry requirements only from upper secondary school(G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for higher education.

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to studies at SLU, the subject of rural development and potential professional roles. The course also aims to give students an understanding of central concepts and theories on rural development. Emphasis is also given general skills, such as scientific writing, associated with employability in the future.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

- explain concepts and theories about the preconditions for rural development, including sustainable development;
- discuss opportunities and challenges for rural areas in Sweden and the rest of the world;
- describe the social organization of rural development and discuss interests and power relations, both locally and globally;
- describe the natural resource sector, with a focus on agriculture and animal husbandry, and their role in society;
- discuss the role of agriculture roles for rural development;
- search, critically process and discuss scientific literature, in speech and writing;
- understand and use the criteria for scientific writing.

Content

The course consists of a mix of lectures, seminars, study visits and project work, individual and in groups. The project work is presented orally or in writing and discussed during seminars.

The course provides a broad introduction to the field rural development with its multidisciplinary nature. The course covers the preconditions for rural development, the actors, interests, organization and power relationships that affect rural areas, both locally and globally. The course covers sustainable development and introduces agricultural history. The course places emphasis on generic skills with a focus on written and oral communication, critical thinking, and study methods.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course objectives are assessed through written assignments and oral presentations, and approved participation in compulsory parts.

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but 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 more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Additional information

Costs of study visits may apply. Some lectures may be conducted in English.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course