Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0277 Global forests and land-use decisions, 7.5 Credits

Globala skogar och beslut om markanvändning

Subjects

Forest Science Forest science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

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 at basic level including

- 60 credits in Forest Science or

- 60 credits in Forest Management or

- 60 credits in Forestry Science or

- 60 credits in Biology or

- 60 credits in Environmental Sciences or

- 60 credits in Landscape Architecture or

- 60 credits in Agricultural Sciences or

- 60 credits in Natural Resource Management or

- 60 credits in Natural Geography or

- 60 credits in Political Sciences

and

English 6.

Objectives

The overarching aim of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of global forests and land-use dynamics. In this five-weeks intensive course, students will actively engage in conceptual understanding and empirical evidence-based dialogues on how multi-stakeholder decisions impact the way forest land-use is implemented with focus on the Global South, but also using comparative European perspective. The key is in identification and interpretation of influential driving (f)actors for forest land-use transition within the context of sustainable forest management. Students will gain an insight to historical relationships, present scenarios, and future complexities of land use in forested landscapes and changes in rural, urban and indigenous territories. This analysis will be based within the broader context of how strategic decision-making can help cope with the consequences for example of biodiversity conservation, land-use change induced displacements, deforestation, plantations, and urbanization. A few key concepts include forest and people science, decision-making, multi-stakeholder negotiations, case studies and ethics, and socio-political framework.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• critically analyse the key drivers, including agents and structures, for forest land-use change

• demonstrate the ability to holistically compare forest and land-use case studies in Global South and Europe

• demonstrate knowledge about multi-stakeholders and their strategic land-use decisions

• creatively use relevant communication tools/mediums to convey complex cases

• demonstrate integrity and ethics in analysing contested land-use issues, and

• apply case study qualitative methodology to investigate the field-based scenarios.

Content

Globally forest and land-use changes are being driven by increasing market value of timber, agro-food and minerals. The consequences of these changes impact biodiversity ecosystems, including livelihood needs of food, water and shelter for billion people, particularly vulnerable communities. This course is designed to offer opportunities to explore stakeholder perspectives in formulating, advocating, sharing and implementing strategic decisions on forest and land-use with focus on the Global South, but including European cases. By bringing together a diverse range of multilateral/bilateral agencies, scientific experts, governments, think tanks, timber industries, land justice forums, media and artists, civil-societies, this course will explore ways to strengthen partnerships for coping with forest and land-use change that is equitable e.g., ethnicity, gender and social inclusion and ethical e.g., recognition, justice, in the long-term aligning with the Agenda 2030. In this intensive short-term (7.5 credits) course, students will be exposed to literature review, field-based comparative case-studies such as collective forest and land tenure rights, restorations or land-grabs, and group projects that expose them to complexities of real-world decision making and developing skills in using case-study methods, ethics and communication. Seminars are compulsory.

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

Approved participation in compulsory seminars and approved completion of oral and written assignments.

• 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

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre