MA (Planning and Development)

TI6125: Research Methods and Mapping

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module outlines the principles of designing and implementing a holistic geographical research project: collecting representative evidence in the field, applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and mapping and spatial representation using Geographic Information Systems. The aim of the module is to instil in students an ability to collect and analyse primary and secondary evidence, draw conclusions based on geographical principles and present findings in a meaningful, professional manner. Students will be required to engage multiple methodological approaches in a reflexive manner, considering issues of representation associated with the production of geographical knowledge. The module is built around ‘interdisciplinary’ Group Projects, and students will approach all aspects of the module through the lens of their semester-long projects. Group Projects will be collaborative across Masters programmes. Students will work together and learn from each other so that a holistic approach to the Research Project is obtained. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to a broad geographical skillset that will provide a comprehensive foundation for research in Geography.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate methodological approaches in Geography
2. Identify measurable and representative evidence for a given research topic
3. Develop a field-based data collection strategy and apply appropriate data analysis and methodological techniques
4. Use GIS to analyse and display primary and secondary data
5. Design and implement a research project from start to finish
6. Reflect on research findings and present a critical evaluation to an audience

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (75%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (20%)
• Department-based Assessment (5%)

Teachers

•  CHRISTINA COSTELLO HAVERTY 🖂
  
•  JOHN MORRISSEY 🖂
  
•  UNA MURRAY 🖂
  
•  LIAM CARR 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Key Methods in geography" by Clifford, N., M. Cope, T. Gillespie and S. French
2. "Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction" by Cresswell, T.
   Chapters: 1
3. "Simple Statistical Tests for Geography" by McCarroll, D.

TI6140: Planning and Innovation for Rural Service Provision

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module examines the issue of service provision, public and private, as a facilitator and driver of rural development and sustainability. It explores, for example, how technical and social innovation in service provision planning and implementation holds potential for rural places and communities to adapt to future demographic and other restructuring trends emerging at local, national and global scales.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the major concepts and theories of rural service provision
2. Identify successful examples of rural service planning and innovation and draw on them as models of good practice in applied contexts
3. Critically evaluate the tensions inherent in enhancing rural service delivery through innovation and futures planning to both support sustainable living and stimulate economic development of the rural
4. Identify the way existing and potential future synergies between public and private sector service providers can be enhanced through ongoing innovation and forward planning

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARIE MAHON 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Unfolding Webs" by Jan Douwe van der Ploeg,Terry Marsden
   ISBN: 9789023244844.
   Publisher: Van Gorcum
   Chapters: Various
2. "Rural" by Michael Woods
   ISBN: 9780415442404.
   Publisher: Routledge
   Chapters: various

TI6141: Research and Professional Development Portfolio

15 months long | Credits: 30

This module involves completion of a relevant independent research project that enhances critical, analytical, practical and applied skills. Students may undertake a dissertation, or (as part of a possible placement), a research report/planning portfolio that forms part of a wider collection of activities. This independent research is complemented by supports that prepare students for their next career phase, particularly professional development, CV and interview preparation. It also prepares students for further research at PhD level if desired.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the required range of key skills in designing research.
2. Apply detailed knowledge of futures planning theory and methodologies to relevant rural problems.
3. Research and present findings effectively and comprehensively, particularly for practice-based settings.
4. Analyse information creatively and imaginatively in seeking innovative solutions to rural planning and sustainability problems and challenges.
5. Propose innovative practical strategies and policy approaches to managing rural planning and sustainability challenges.
6. Clearly identify and articulate their own acquired professional competence and skills and successful demonstrate these to prospective employers.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARIE MAHON 🖂
  

TI6136: Rural Futures in Agriculture and the Multifunctional Countryside

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The agricultural sector remains vital to the sustainability of rural places and communities. It evolves in response to science and technology innovation, to policies and trade agreements, and to consumer trends for food and related products. It is increasingly the focus of mitigation options for climate change such as forestry or flood control. This module examines what innovation entails for farmers and other stakeholders who regard agriculture and associated land-based activities as viable rural livelihoods. It critiques the extent to which agricultural and environmental policies support sustainable planning for agriculture as a sphere of activity that secures future economic, social and cultural dividends for the rural.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the major contemporary concepts and theories of agricultural change and multifunctionality.
2. Explain contemporary policy approaches to agricultural development and multifunctionality, and critically evaluate these concepts from an innovation and futures planning perspective.
3. Question the dominant paradigms in agricultural development and multifunctionality thinking.
4. Explain the different dimensions of multifunctionality, e.g. forestry, off-farm activity, environmental quality and identify possibilities for innovation in these sectors.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JOHN MCDONAGH 🖂
  

TI6138: Rural Enterprise and Industry Innovation and Development

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module explores the emerging scope for development of rural enterprise and industry, as sectors other than agriculture increasingly provide the bulk of rural employment. It examines the vital role of innovation as initiated and facilitated by a range of stakeholders – individuals, community-based NGOs, government and institutional partners – to generate new economic opportunities at the local level. It also analyses how economic planning policies and strategies address the challenges of future economic development, and how these might be enhanced.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the major concepts and theories of rural enterprise and industry development
2. Identify good examples of successful rural, agricultural and industrial based enterprise and innovations and draw on them as models of good practice in applied contexts
3. Explain contemporary policy approaches to rural enterprise and industry development and critically evaluate them from innovation and futures planning perspectives
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how different scales of governance impact on levels of innovation and planning for successful enterprise and industry development

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MAURA FARRELL 🖂
  

TI6139: Rural Tourism Networks - A Planning Perspective

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Tourism Planning and Development is often not considered central to planning debate and discussion. However, tourism has a central role in the economic development potential of rural areas. Innovation suggests expanding the scope for tourism products and services through employing information technology and other forms of economic and social adaptation and transformation. Futures planning on the other hand suggests the potentially finite nature of local assets and resources, and the requirement to balance tourism development with place-based sustainability policies and strategies. Networks and networking have been used as a method of decreasing fragmentation in tourism and rural development and promoting positive communication in this regard. This course will engage with the relationships between tourism and rural areas. Particular attention will be given to the role of networks and clusters in sustainable rural tourism planning and development. This module particularly examines the power of networks of individuals, organisations, government departments and institutions who all have a stake in tourism development to collaboratively agree future planning visions and strategies.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the major contemporary concepts and theories of contemporary rural tourism
2. Identify the value-added impacts of networking approaches to rural tourism development as an effective means to innovate within this sector
3. Evaluate and critique contemporary policy approaches to rural tourism from an innovation and futures planning perspective
4. Outline potential networking approaches that would enhance the development of rural tourism strategies at local and regional levels.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  THERESE CONWAY 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "The Routledge Companion to Rural Planning" by Mark Scott,Nick Gallent,Menelaos Gkartzios
   ISBN: 9781138104051.
   Publisher: Routledge
2. "Micro-clusters and Networks" by Ewen J. Michael
   ISBN: 0080450962.
   Publisher: Elsevier
3. "Network Analysis and Tourism" by Noel Scott,Rodolfo Baggio,Chris Cooper
   ISBN: 9781845410889.
   Publisher: Channel View Books

TI6137: Innovation and Futures Planning For Rural Development and Sustainability

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This overarching module critiques the key concepts and theoretical perspectives that reflect contemporary scholarship on rural development and sustainability perspectives, and how these can be cross-cut by research and scholarship on innovation and futures planning. It presents an overview of relevant planning theory and statutory instruments and examines pertinent dominant policy trends. It provides an organising framework within which subsequent module content and inquiry is contextualised.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the major concepts and theories of contemporary rural development and sustainability
2. Consider the role of planning theory and related statutory instruments in rural planning
3. Identify and apply ideas from innovation and futures planning scholarship to contemporary thinking on rural development and sustainability in order to broaden perspectives on rural development planning.
4. Explain contemporary policy approaches to rural development and sustainability and critically evaluate them from an innovation and futures planning perspective
5. Challenge the dominant paradigms in rural development and sustainability thinking.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARIE MAHON 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "The Routledge Companion to Rural Planning" by Mark Scott,Nick Gallent,Menelaos Gkartzios
   ISBN: 9781138104051.
   Publisher: Routledge
   Chapters: various
2. "Planning for Sustainability : Creating Livable, Equitable and Ecological Communities." by Wheeler, S.
   ISBN: 978041580989.
   Publisher: Routledge
   Chapters: various

AR6109: Presenting Landscapes

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module aims to raise the student’s proficiency in interpreting and presenting landscapes. The field school element gives the students an opportunity to – in a real life situation – put into practice the wide range of practical and theoretical skills they have acquired during the course. A significant part of the field school project is its presentation in several media.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify relevant research issues in a given situation and formulate a research design.
2. Undertake a landscape analysis with relevant questions and methodologies.
3. Present research outcome to both an academic and public audience.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  CONOR NEWMAN 🖂
  
•  STEFAN BERGH 🖂