REMP14-Countryside Planning and Policy

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Gavin Parker
Email: g.parker@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers issues relevant, and tools used, to manage rural areas through both the land-use planning system and wider policy considerations. 

Aims:

This module aims to examine current countryside issues and policies, with an emphasis on planning in England and Wales. The context for the module is provided by the changing economic and social drivers in the countryside. The module links with other modules in enabling students to understand the UK planning system by assessing standard institutional arrangements and structures through a rural policy lens. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate: 

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  a systematic understanding of the main components of current countryside policy and practice; 

  
  


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  an appreciation of the historical development of planning and regulation in the British countryside; 

  
  

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  an appreciation of the role of planning-related institutions in the countryside; 

  
  


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  a systematic understanding of the roles of amenity and other designations in the countryside; 

  
  


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  an ability to evaluate rural issues critically and discuss them in an informed way, and the ability to contribute to the debate about current and future policy initiatives; 

  
  


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  a critical awareness and understanding ofrural land use conflicts

  
  

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to develop Web-based learning skills, involving literature searching, research, and case study exercises. Students will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively. 

Outline content:

• Rural policy - introduction and historical and international context; 


• Agri-environmental Policy change; 


• Rural land use - problems, conflicts and policy impacts; 


• Rural policy and planning process; 


• Rural economies and resources; 


• Rural housing; 


• Rural?designations; 


• Rural conservation, biodiversity and recreation; 


• Planning for sustainable rural communities. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is introduced in week 1 of the autumn term and then delivered using a combination of lectures, web-based learning and review tutorials. These mechanisms are supplemented by module-specific practicals which support student work in a role-play exercise. The University's Blackboard course information system is used to provide students with module material and structured web-based learning blocks that provide an intensive grounding in the subject areas.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	159
Essay preparation	20
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 5,000 word limit essay.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for this module is 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023