LU0105, European rural development in theory and practice, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2024-10-15
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Rural Development

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to give students in-depth knowledge of rural development as a scientific field of research and as a profession. This knowledge includes current theory development regarding the development of rural areas and the use of natural resources (including agriculture), as well as the application of methods within the contemporary rural development professions, in a European context.

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

• describe and critically discuss longer historical perspectives on the transformations of various European rural areas - this includes understandings of demographic changes, the development of the welfare state, changes in use of natural resources and structural transformation of the business sector and the labor market;
• describe and critically discuss the main features of current research on rural development and the special conditions of rural areas;
• search for, critically relate to and discuss scientific literature in speech and writing;
• understand and apply essential theoretical concepts;
• describe and theorize contemporary politics, administration and business development in relation to rural areas and their development.

Content

Subject-related content

The course gives the students a deeper understanding of rural change processes through in-depth knowledge of rural development as a scientific field of research. The course deals with European rural development with a focus on Swedish conditions. In the course, students get to explore theoretical perspectives on the development of rural areas, and they gain in-depth knowledge of how conditions for places to develop sustainable differs. The course provides training in how academically based knowledge and scientific theories can be applied within the professions of rural development.

Teaching formats

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning and discussions: lectures, literature studies, seminars and exercises. The students complete a literature study that prepares them theoretically to write a master's thesis on the subject of rural development.

The course focuses on the following generic skills:
Critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, written communication, collaboration.

The following components are mandatory:
Active participation in compulsory seminars, exercises, and presentations.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:
Guest lecturers.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written and oral presentation, passed exam, passed participation in mandatory sections.

•  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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Agriculture and Rural Development
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Rural Development

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001

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.