Landscape2012 - Landscape in a Changing World

The summer school is framed by social events and possibilities of enjoying the gorgeous physical and cultural landscape of Lesvos, combining excellent learning and recreation opportunities.

The objective of this international course, offered in the context of a summer school at the University of the Aegean, is to analyze the opportunities and challenges of safeguarding and developing the multiple contributions of landscape to life and society, in light of crises and change, in the 21^st century—with an emphasis on European landscapes and societies.

For this purpose, the course caters to three main thematic areas of multidisciplinary interest:

1. Services and other goods  offered by landscape to societies with changing needs and priorities
2. Planning and managing landscapes of the past, present and future, with a view  to adapting them  to challenges posed by current crises and complying with the efficient,  sustainable and comprehensive provision of such services
3. The impact of policy on landscape change and the role of public participation in landscape stewardship

The content of the course provides a) a broad platform to study the role and place of landscape in human sustainable development and quality of life; b) methods and tools for understanding, implementing and assessing land use and landscape change; and c) critical and multidisciplinary approaches employed in comprehensive, participatory decision-making, governance and interventions in the landscape.

The course is taught in English. The program includes lectures, workshops, in-course presentations, a field atelier, group work, an individual pre-course assignment and a final exam. Prior to the course, participants will be invited to prepare assignments on topics to be determined following discussions with the course directors.