Forest and landscape governance
Course description
Governance of forests and landscapes is not an exact discipline. Contrary to planning and management of green areas, which more systematically and with acquired skills can be done for a range of different purposes, *governance *is a constant negotiation between different interests. Governance is about decision-making. Different actors with different powers, influence how forests and landscapes are managed. In this course we dive into governance theories and trends, and apply our knowledge to contemporary, real world cases, ranging from ‘nature-based solutions’, over global South participatory forest management, to environmental justice. The course includes oral tests and oral group presentations.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
LK0434, Forest and landscape governance, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-01-29
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Landscape Architecture
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
Objectives
The purpose of the course is to deepen the understanding of how different governance processes, structures and arrangements are affecting various landscapes and management structures, and how they can be analysed, with focus on both forest and landscape governance and related aspects.
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- identify and describe relevant actors and organisations, rules and regulations, power and resources, and discourses, as related to forest and landscape management contexts
- analyse governance paradigms and structures in a variety of forest and landscape contexts, using relevant theory
- describe how central policies and theories within forest and landscape governance are used, understood and related.
Content
Subject matter
The course content is built up around relevant and up-to date theory on governance related to landscape and forest governance, and associated policy. Central is the analysis of essential governance aspects, e.g., actors, rules and regulations, power and resources, and discourses. These aspects are analysed and described for various real-life cases and contexts: forested and non-forested, rural and urban, local as well as related to the global north and south.
Examples and cases of forest and landscape governance will be introduced in lectures and analysed in group discussions or seminars. Examples given in lectures include urban and rural forests or other natural resources. Governance theories will support a group assignment.
Implementation
The course content includes lectures and literature studies about the primary aspects of governance theory. Additionally, the course applies various teaching approaches to increase the students knowledge via seminars, group work, oral presentations and excursions.
The course focuses on the following general competencies:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Scientific methods
- Oral communication
- Written communication
- Teamwork
- Plan and manage time
- Creativity
The following elements are compulsory:
- Course exercises and literature seminars
Cooperation with the surrounding society takes place through:
- Real life cases and contexts, and potentially an excursion
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed oral examination and completed mandatory elements.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest and Landscape (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0001 |
The Course Replaces
LK0424 Forest and landscape governance