Module DXX-3004:
Sustainable Communities

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Ms Sian Pierce

Overall aims and purpose

The module examines the main forces which have shaped sustainable rural and urban communities mediating the places and spaces in between these. . Contrasting and inter-disciplinary interpretations focus on the geographical, social, political, historical, cultural and economic features of areas described as rural and urban and consider the significance of and future implications for policy making. Field work will focus on fostering a critical understanding of a range of issues relating to the restructuring of rural and urban communities and responses to the processes of globalisation and challenges of sustainability.

Course content

The module will contain the following: • • Sustainable Rural and Urban communities e.g. Eco-villages • Time perspective, change, development- and communities e.g. for “ post-productivist rural and post modern cities” • Rural and urban Land Uses, Designations and Conservation • Globalisation, Economic Restructuring and regeneration e.g. gentrification and " smart cities" • Community development initiatives from urban and rural environments • Directions for Urban and Rural Policy

Assessment Criteria

threshold

  1. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information / skills
  2. Some grasp of theoretical conceptual practical elements
  3. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed works' objectives. This translates to Satisfactory Standard Pass : D- to D+

good

  1. Much or most of the relevant information and skills accurately deployed
  2. Good/adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements
  3. Good/fair integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed works' objectives.
  4. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills This translates to Average to High Standard Pass : C- to B+

excellent

  1. An outstanding performance, exceptionally able
  2. The relevant information accurately deployed
  3. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements
  4. Very good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.
  5. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills This translates to Excellent Standard: A- to A**

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate and synthesize the geographical, social, political, historical, cultural and economic features of sustainable rural and urban communities and settlements

  2. Using global examples, demonstrate an awareness of contrasting and inter- disciplinary interpretations of urban and rural communities and settlements in space and the main drivers shaping them.

  3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of issues relating to the restructuring of rural and urban settlements and community responses to the processes of globalisation and challenges of sustainability.

  4. Develop a range of skills in researching, presenting, writing and disseminating information about contemporary aspects of rural and urban living.

  5. Assess the signficance of policy making, the work of agencies(e.g. public, third and private sectors) in the sustainable functioning of these communities.

  6. Understand the basic principles and processes of community development, stagnation and regeneration to build capital and resilience within sustainable communities.

  7. Demonstrate and synthesize theoretical concepts within field based learning situations and also assimilate real world information to reinforce theoretical learning.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
ESSAY Essay (Semester 1) 30.00
COURSEWORK Briefing Paper 30.00
EXAM Exam Set Question

Set question for two hour exam paper

 20.00
EXAM Exam unseen question

This is the unseen question forming the other part of the two hour question paper.

 20.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Private and guided self-study

 144
Workshop

In Semester 2 we will be holding online workshops and briefings with community practitioners. There will be a total of 8 hours, combination to be agreed with practitioners.

 8
Lecture

18*2 hour lectures which it is hoped will be delivered “ in person”.

 36
Fieldwork

There will be one virtual field visit in Semester One. Depending upon Covid restrictions , we hope go hold an “ in person “ socially distanced field visit in Semester 1.

 12

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Prepare effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Engagement with current subject developments and their application.
  • Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
  • Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Resources

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module