National and International Forest Policy
Course description
The course has two primary objectives: (1) to provide a wide perspective beyond traditional forestry disciplines by examining interactions between forests and society, and (2) to scrutinise global forest regimes and national forest policies with focus on their implications on actual forest management. The course is delivered by an international teacher team involving scholars from Sweden, Germany, Denmark and other countries. Course contents and activities are specifically designed for international student classes consisting of many nationalities. Thus the course provides a unique opportunity to examine societal preconditions and policy implications for forest management from a comparative international perspective. Class activities include debates and numerous exercises in groups. Outside the class, students visit a private forest estate, and engage into readings of scientific literature, elaboration of essays, and writing a reflective journal. At the end of the course, we undertake a 2-week study trip to countries outside Sweden, with focus on comparing forest policies in selected countries or regions.
Entry Requirements
120 credits
60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study
- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management
- economics
- political science
English 6.
Course facts
SV0061, National and International Forest Policy, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Objectives, planning and policy 15 credits
Grading Scale
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
English
Entry Requirements
120 credits
60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study
- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management
- economics
- political science
English 6.
Objectives
The course has two primary objectives: to provide a wide perspective beyond traditional forestry disciplines by examining interactions between forests and society, and to scrutinise international forest regimes and national forest policies with focus on their implications for sustainable forest management.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- recognise regional, European and global forestry structures, including resources, actors and processes
- explain the complex linkages between forest-related policies and forest management practices
- critically analyse national and international forest policy issues and processes
- debate forest policy issues in an international context, advocate own viewpoints
- write reflective reports
- reflect on own learning.
Content
The first weeks of the course primarily deal with national forest policy processes and approaches to policy analysis. Students get acquainted with forest governance in the countries represented by their peers. Class work in the following weeks covers a variety of more specific topics, such as property right regimes, future and markets, forest certification as well as European and global forest policies. Among other things, students participate in debates with external stakeholders on hot policy issues. At the end of the course, we undertake a study trip, with focus on comparing forest policies in selected countries or regions. The course has a wide thematic scope and also the ambition to develop generic skills such as competent debating and deep reflection. Therefore, the pace of the course is high, requiring active students’ participation in diverse course activities.
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: Lectures, literature studies, exercises, role play, written assignments, seminars, study visits, study trips, presentations.
Delivered by an international teacher team, the class work includes lectures intermingled with exercises in groups and presentations by students. Activities outside the class include a visit to a private forest estate, readings of scientific literature, elaboration of essays, and writing a reflective journal.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Information competence, critical thinking and reflection, problem solving, scientific methods, oral and written communication, teamwork.
The following course components are compulsory:
Seminars, study visits and study trip.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through
inviting lectures from forestry practice, visiting private forest owners in Scania.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examinations. Approved written exercises. Completed compulsory components.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Euroforester (MSc)
- Forest Science - Master's Programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0010 |
The Course Replaces
SG0234
Other Information
The course includes a two-week study trip. The cost of the trip will be shared between the department and the students. The amount students are expected to pay will range from 2000 to 3000 SEK.