Module Identifier RD25610  
Module Title EUROPE (AGRICULTURE)  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Charles J Falzon  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   3 Hours 2 x 1 hour background briefing; 1 x 1 hour study tour briefing  
  Other   60 Hours Residential study tour to a selected European region  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3   100%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Outcomes 1,2,3.   100%  

Learning outcomes

Outcome 1
Describe the political, social, cultural and environmental characteristics of a selected EU member state.

Performance criteria:
a. The relationship between local, regional and national political and administrative systems is described.
b. The social and cultural profile of the region is described.
c. The main sources of employment are identified.
d. Landscape designations and biodiversity interests are identified and described.
e. Threats to the above are discussed.
Ranges:
Climate, geography and geology, topography, protected areas, agriculture, tourism, recreation, landscape and nature conservation, fisheries, environmental protection, Natura 2000, LEADER, INTERREG, Parc Regional Naturel, Conseil General/Regional, commune, syndicat, landscape and environmental impact, Conservatoire Littoral
Outcome 2
Describe and evaluate the organisation and function of an aspect of rural management for that selected region.

Performance criteria
a. Relevant organisational structures are described.
b. Funding sources and budgets are identified.
c. The effectiveness of management is evaluated.
Ranges:
NGOs, regional/local councils, grant aid, budgets, natural resource management, habitat restoration, tourism management

Outcome 3
Describe and evaluate the influence of key EU social and environmental policies on the selected region.

Performance criteria:
a. Major policies and laws are described.
b. Implementation is described and evaluated.
Ranges:
European regulations and directives, grants and funding, mechanisms, Environmental Action Programmes, National legislation, policy, Objective 1, Natura 2000, LIFE, European Court of Justice, European Commission, Council of Ministers, CAP, agri-environment measures, ESA, lobbying.

Brief description

The European Union has an important but often unrecognised and misunderstood influence on the social, cultural and economic interests of its member states, and on key environmental matters.

A number of these issues will be explored during a study visit to a non-UK European region, in order to raise awareness and provide insights, and to contrast social, economic and environmental priorities with those of the UK. The interpretation of legislation and the deployment of structural and other funds for regional development will be examined.

Transferable skills

Common skills

2. Manage own time in achieving objectives
5. Treat others’ values, beliefs and opinions with respect
6. Receive and respond to a variety of information
7. Communicate in writing
8. Use information sources
9.   Use a range of technological equipment and systems