RD21410 - LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT IN PRACTICE

Module Identifier

RD21410

Module Title

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT IN PRACTICE

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Mr David R Powell

Semester

Semester 2

Pre-Requisite

RD10210 , RD10120

Course delivery

Lecture

2 x 1 hour lectures per week

Other

4 x 4 hour field visits

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Landscape assessment assignment	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Landscape assessment assignment	100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify, and justify their choice of, the key components that contribute to the landscape character of any given area.

2. Implement a designated landscape assessment methodology for a given study area.

3. Explain how the landscape assessment could be used as the basis for countryside management.

Brief description

Landscape protection and enhancement is widely recognised as being of fundamental importance in management of the countryside. Methods for the recognition of landscape character and value are being developed for use in both academic and applied contexts. This practical and vocational module involves the students undertaking a landscape assessment of a given area in keeping with principles of best professional practice. In so doing students should gain an understanding of the complex relationship between landscape management and the town and country planning system, together with an appreciation of the ever increasing range of non-statutory tools that are used to protect and influence landscape. Using field visits and carrying out a landscape assessment according to an established methodology will provide both realism and relevance in a countryside management context. Skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation and report preparation will be developed within the framework of countryside protection and enhancement.

Content

The nature of landscape, the landscape as habitat, the human response to landscape.
Identifying forces of change in the landscape.
Principles and processes of landscape character assessment.
Evaluation of the principal techniques for landscape assessment including LANDMAP and Landscape Character

The role of the public in making landscape evaluation judgments.
Case studies of landscape character assessments.
Applying concepts of landscape assessment.

Module Skills

Research skills	Coursework will require students to carry out an extensive desk study and integrate this with observations made during field visits.
Communication	A professional standard of report presentation will be required.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students will need to draw on knowledge from a range of previous modules.
Information Technology	Students will be expected to make appropriate use of IT both to gather and present information.
Personal Development and Career planning	Students will be expected to make appropriate use of IT both to gather and present information.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Bell, S (1999) Landscape: pattern, perception, process E & F N Spon 0419203400
Usher, M B (editor) (1999) Landscape character: perspectives on management and change The Stationery Office 0114972664

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5