TI 506 The Multifunctional Countryside

Dr Maura Farrell,  Dr John McDonagh and Dr Mary Cawley
Timetable: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00-4:00  
Venue: Geography Seminar Room (113, Arts/Science)


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Please click below for various module details:

• Module rationale
• Key learning outcomes
• Assessment
• Readings
• Full module outline

Module rationale

This course evolves from the appreciation that one of the most compelling theoretical models to emerge in recent years has been the productivist/post productivist/multifunctionality model, which delineates the transition of agricultural regimes from productivism or intensive agriculture to post-productivism or extensive agriculture and in turn to a multifunctional agriculture regime.  The module will consist of a series of elements which include; an exploration of how farm families operate in a complex and ever-changing market and policy environment and an exploration of a variety of dimensions of multifunctionality, such as; forestry, organics, agri-tourism, environmental quality, off-farm activity and artisanal food production. 

Key learning outcomes

Students will become familiar with a wide range of themes concerning the Multifunctional Countryside including many of the following:

• Developing the student’s ability to apply critical thinking to the theoretical conceptualizations of agricultural change
• Providing students with a critical overview of the significance of the concept of multifunctionality within the European countryside 
• Extending the learning environment of the student to explore and analyze the challenges and opportunities facing the farm community.
• Exposing students to a wide range of dimensions of multifunctionality

Assessment (30 ECTS)

This is a 10 ECTS module and will be assessed through a variety of continuous assessments, details of which will be provided by the module coordinator at the beginning of the module. 

Some key readings

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