REMRPP-Rural Policy And Planning

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: g.parker@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module examines current countryside issues and policies, with an emphasis on planning in England.

Aims:

This module examines 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 and as such the module acts to examine how planning policies, structures and aims are shaped and applied in the rural context. 

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 debates about current and future policy initiatives; 

  
  


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  A critical awareness and understanding of rural 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:

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  Rural policy - introduction, historical and international context 

  
  


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  UK Agricultural Policy 

  
  

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  Rural land use - problems, conflicts and policy 

  
  


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  Rural policy and planning process 

  
  


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  Rural economies and resources 

  
  


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  Rural housing 

  
  


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  Rural transport and services 

  
  

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  Rural conservation, biodiversity and recreation 

  
  


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  Planning for sustainable rural communities 

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered through a two-hour lecture / session each week, making appropriate use of guest lecturers. Use will be made of Blackboard and external web-based material, web-based reports, e-journal articles and Internet sites with case study material. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,500-word guide essay on a current policy topic (80%). Essay is submitted week 2 Spring term, presentation last week of Autumn term (as below). 

Formative assessment methods:

Small group presentation (20%). The group presentation / exercise may take the form of a debate or role-play exercise, with students required to research and present ideas from a specific perspective. Presentations take place in the last week of the Autumn term. 

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 where appropriate and agreed by the Examination Board. The grade for the presentation will be retained and the essay resubmitted should the student fail the module at first attempt. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 26 April 2019