LK0395, Urban Agriculture and Social Interaction, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Level
First cycle
(G2F)
Main field of study
Landscape Architecture, Horticultural Science
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
Knowledge equivalent to 60 credits in one of the following subjects:
• architecture • landscape architecture • landscape planning • built environment • design • spatial planning • geography • landscape science • environmental science • civil engineering • biology • horticultural Science • agricultural Science
and
English B or equivalent.
The requirement for 60 credits in one of the above listed subjects is regarded as fulfilled by a student who has 15 credits in Food Studies at second cycle level.
Objectives
The course is interdisciplinary on the theme urban agriculture with a specialisation towards social and ecological sustainable development. The learning outcomes extend from a general society-oriented level to a more local and concrete plan for urban agriculture. On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- from a global perspective, explain certain basic relationships between sustainable urban development and how initiatives of urban agriculture take form in different parts of the world.
- identify authentic examples of urban agriculture from their different possibilities and resources locally and problematise their relation to an urban planning.
- understand and relate the importance of cultivation for the health and well-being of people and and as a catalyst for local commitment.
- perform a site analysis that takes into consideration the identity of places, cultural values, the availability of the location and practical conditions for cultivation.
- account for possible cultivation, distribution and storage systems in urban environment and be able to compare these from a resource and knowledge requirements and cultivation safety point of view.
- have developed understanding of how different choices of small-scale cropping systems influence surrounding environment, biological diversity, ecosystem services and the human health.
- have knowledge of communicative and educational tools within urban agriculture.
Content
The course is given as a series of themes, that each focus on one of the challenges charateristic of modern urban agriculture. The course is concluded with a synthesising project, in which the course themes are interrelated.
The contents extend from a general, society-oriented level to a more local and concrete level plan for urban agriculture. Common concepts and definitions within urban agriculture in Swedish and international conditions as well as development of urban agriculture in a historical perspective will be discussed. Starting from site analysis, which takes into consideration place identity, cultural values, the availability of the location and practical conditions for cultivation, understanding of the importance of cultivation for participation and human health and well-being and how choice of small-scale cropping systems influences surrounding environment, biological diversity and ecosystem services, will be developed.
Identified examples of urban agriculture will be analysed from their different possibilities and locally available resources, their relation to municipal administration and private property owners and if/how they can function as a catalyst for local commitment.
Knowledge about possible cultivation, distribution and storage systems in the urban environment will be discussed as well as plant protection strategies and cultivation safety.
Moreover, flow analysis and sustainable recirculation will be considered as well as the principles behind the choice of plant and animals for the sustainable agrosystem based on knowledge of resistance biology, ecosystem services and the multifunctionality of species. It is obligatory to participate in seminars.
The course contains lectures, literature studies, seminars, assignments that are carried out independently and in groups. Field studies and study visits are carried out to the extent possible depending on supply and circumstances.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Examination consists of written and oral presentations. To pass the course, passed written and oral presentations and project work are required, and participation in compulsory parts.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Trädgårdsingenjörsprogrammet - design
- Food and Landscape - Master’s programme
- Landscape Architecture- Master's Programme
- Landscape Engineer Programme - Alnarp
- Landskapsingenjörsprogrammet - Uppsala
- Food and Landscape
- Horticultural Management Programme - Garden Design, Bachelor's Programme
Module set
| Title |
Credits |
Code |
| Single module |
15.0 |
0101 |
The Course Replaces
LK0278
Other Information
The course is directed to students on Horticultural Management, Horticultural Science, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Engineer, Agricultural and Rural Management Programmes, the Landscape Architecture – Master’s Programme and external students.
Courses in Landscape Planning from SLU counts as Landscape Architecture when assessing qualifications.