International Perspectives on Sustainable Land Use

44M0570

Master

English

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

This intensive module is part of the three-week International Summer University at Osnabrück University of Applied Science.

This intensive module highlights regularly changing topics from the fields of nature conservation, land use and landscape development through an international perspective. In international and interdisciplinary groups, students learn to understand different conceptions of and approaches toward solving global challanges in sustainable land use.

The module explores, in an international and/or comparative light, questions related to conservation and sustainable land use and landscape development. The concrete topics and any specific case studies examined change regularly. The exact teaching and learning content depend upon the special topic of study. Generally, the content is explored through the presentation of scientific literature and case studies, discussion groups, and research or project tasks.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Lecturers may determine the best forms for their teaching and learning content according to the needs of their specific topic.

• Portfolio exam or
• oral exam or
• Case analysis, oral

The standard form of examination is a portfolio (group presentation and an oral examination, with each making up half of the final grade). Deviations from this will be announced at the start of the program.

presentation/report: ca. 20–30-minute presentation with 5–10 page written analysis
oral examination: ca. 20-30 minutes

Basic knowledge on the topic of sustainable land use is helpful, but not required.

Students can identify factors influencing sustainable land use in relation to a specific topic and contextualize them using an international perspective.

Students can characterize the drivers and conditions shaping land use and landscape change within the special topic of study. They can draw comparisons and contrast cases in light of cultural and geographic differences. 

Students can critically reflect and discuss how approaches to knowledge and subject matter can vary according to the socio-cultural context of study.

Students can interpret previously aquired subject knowledge in an international perspective. They can integrate a new persepctive in their work and adapt their communication to an international context.

Students can generate potential research questions and hypotheses, operationationalize their knowledge of facts and methods to complete a research or project task and critically reflect on their reseults in light of an international perspective.

Students exchange ideas, plan and organize their cooperative work in diverse groups in a goal-oriented and respectful manner. Students can effectively communicate with an expert audience about their subject matter using the technical language and taking cultural contexts into account.

Students can evaluate their personal strengths and challenges and conceptualize their potential role as a member of the global community of researchers and practitioners collectively working on the challenges of land use.

• Long-Gräuler, Shelby Irene

N.N. (Professur MLT)