Theme course 2025
This year’s theme is Landscape architecture in society
If you are interested in influencing the use of landscape architecture in today's society, you should apply for this course. We all know how valuable landscape architecture is for the development of society, but how do we get others to understand it as well?
Not every decision-maker in society knows that landscape architecture, including the design, planning and management of landscapes in urban and rural settings, encompasses knowledge and skills that address many of the central challenges facing society today; adaptation to climate change, the decline of biodiversity, people's physical and mental health and well-being, lack of public participation and democracy to name some of the most important. Landscape architecture is also characterized by a holistic as well as a transformative approach, which both are needed for a sustainable societal development.
In the course, we discuss the role of landscape architecture in today´s society and work with definitions and descriptions of landscape architecture depending on the target group. We analyze the paths for political and administrative decisions around landscape-related issues and explore lobbying and other influence measures towards politicians, organizations, companies, mass and social media but also the public.
The course suits students with a certain activist streak, interested in learning more about how society works and how to inform and influence it! The course is carried out through a combination of literature studies, seminars, individual and group exercises and study visits. You will get in contact with interesting people outside academia and learn how to communicate the value of your profession.
The course concludes with a personally written essay on the subject. During the course, there will definitely be opportunities to focus on what you are personally passionate about within landscape architecture.
The context during the course will be Swedish society, but references to other countries are also appreciated.
Information from the course leader
Hi and welcome to this year's Theme Course with the theme Landscape Architecture in Society!
The aim is to understand the potential of landscape architecture to reach out as a field of knowledge and contribute to social development. You will meet different people, read texts etc., and carry out exercises that together give you a greater understanding of how landscape architecture works and can work in society. I hope we can do many fun things together on the course!
See you on March 25 at 10.15 in Terra Nova for the start of the course!
Welcome!
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is not yet activated
The course evaluation is open between 2025-06-01 and 2025-06-22
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
LK0446 Theme course 2025, 15.0 Credits
Temakurs 2025Subjects
Landscape ArchitectureEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
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.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, of which 90 credits in one of the following subjects:• architecture
• landscape architecture
• landscape planning
• built environment
• design
• spatial planning
• geography
• landscape science
• environmental science
• civil engineering.
and
English 6 or equivalent.
Objectives
The course aims at theoretical, artistic and/or practical in-depth study of a relevant theme presented by the course management at the start of every course. The flexible nature of the course means that the general learning objectives of the course should be clarified at the start of every course.
After having completed the course, the student should be able to:
• carry out a theoretical, artistic and/or practical in-depth study of a theme
• present the results of the in-depth study of a theme in a convincing way
• reflect on methods, apply theories and results with regard to the actual in-depth study of the theme.
Content
This course connects to occasional projects and studies that can contribute to diversity and quality in the student’s education. The theme can consist of an applied practical task or a research-related issue. Another area suitable as a theme is participation in architecture competitions. The students, in consultation with course management, are given major responsibility for the design and content of the course. The in-depth study of the theme can be carried out individually or in groups. Within the course, quality, theory/reflection, reporting and presentation are emphasised.
The course comprises in-depth studies of relevant themes. These studies are either group work or individual tasks, and may sometimes be scheduled, in which case they usually are compulsory. This is explained in detail when the course starts.
The course focuses on the following general competencies: creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication, ability to work autonomously.
Grading form
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.Formats and requirements for examination
Approved in-depth study of a relevant theme. Approved reporting of the in-depth study of a relevant theme. Approved participation in compulsory elements.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
Courses in Landscape Planning from SLU counts as Landscape Architecture when assessing qualifications.Responsible department
Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management