REIS210 Nature Interpretation

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:John Peter Fredman

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:30

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:Ca. 125 working hours for the student, including lectures and exercises/excursion.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in August block. This course has teaching and examination in August block.

About this course

Nature interpretation implies knowledge about and care for nature. The aim is to strengthen the understanding of ecological and cultural contexts, and raise awareness about human behavior in nature. The course will provide an understanding of nature interpretation as tool for learning, recreation and protection of nature and culture. Particular emphasis is placed on the link between increased knowledge and understanding, greater experience value, and the potential for altered consciousness and behavior. The role of nature interpretation in nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation, management and planning are central to the subject. Students learn about theories, methods, techniques and tools for practical nature interpreration. The course consists of lectures, excursion and practical exercises.

Learning outcome

A candidate with completed qualification shall have the following learning outcomes of the course:

Knowledge:

Candidates should be able to describe and analyse the development and importance of nature interpretation in tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resource management and planning. They should have insights to the theoretical foundation, concepts, definitions, and relationships to related fields. They should have knowledge how to design and perform nature interpretation in practise, and analyse the effects. Candidates should have knowledge about and be able to utilise research and development in this area.

Skills: Candidates should be able to plan and implement different interpretation projects. Based on their knowledge, candidates can design and coordinate programs for nature interpretation, adapted to different communication objects and audiences. They should also be able to use different communication means and channels.

General competence: Candidates should be able to evaluate the implications and significance of nature interpretation for different target groups and for the environment. They should be able to communicate with professionals in various disciplines and be able to analyse, utilise and disseminate knowledge. Candidates should be able to apply their expertise in multidisciplinary projects.

Learning activities
Lectures, excursion and exercises.
Teaching support
Head of subject is available during office hours. Supervision of exercises and assignments.
Recommended prerequisites
Minimum 2 years of studies at relevant bachelor program.
Assessment method
Assembled assessment:
One individual assignment counts 40% (nature trail). One written group assignment on guiding counts 30% and one oral presentation on guiding counts 30%. All assignments must be passed to pass the course.

Written group assignment - Guiding Grading: Letter grades Individual assignment - Nature trail Grading: Letter grades Oral presentation of group assignement Grading: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
An external examiner will grade all the exams.
Mandatory activity
Excursion and exercises.
Teaching hours
Approx 60 hours lectures, excursion and exercises.
Preferential right
Mandatory for M-REIS students which have priority for admission. Other applicants are prioritized by relevance and level of education.
Admission requirements
Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)