Territorial Systems and Local Development
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The general objective is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable local development projects.
The specific objective of the first part is to introduce the theory of systems and complexity.
The second part of the course aims to address in detail the theoretical and operational models of local development.
The specific objective of the third part is to present the tools with concrete situations that will allow them to apply the information learned.
The specific objective of the first part is to introduce the theory of systems and complexity.
The second part of the course aims to address in detail the theoretical and operational models of local development.
The specific objective of the third part is to present the tools with concrete situations that will allow them to apply the information learned.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should know the basic elements of systems theory, confidently master the subject of local development and its application in the management of territories.
Finally, the student should be able to design, monitor and evaluate local development projects.
Finally, the student should be able to design, monitor and evaluate local development projects.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The lectures will take place in presence.
In case of specific emergencies, a blended mode will be activated, with simultaneous streaming (Teams).
Students will find all the information to access the lessons (links etc.), any changes in the program or in the reference material (bibliography etc.) on the Ariel teaching site.
If it is not possible to take the exam in presence, the exam will be held in telematic form in ways that will be communicated on the Ariel teaching site at the end of the course.
In case of specific emergencies, a blended mode will be activated, with simultaneous streaming (Teams).
Students will find all the information to access the lessons (links etc.), any changes in the program or in the reference material (bibliography etc.) on the Ariel teaching site.
If it is not possible to take the exam in presence, the exam will be held in telematic form in ways that will be communicated on the Ariel teaching site at the end of the course.
Course syllabus
During the first part, the course will focus on defining the basic concepts of system theory and complexity theory as they relate to the social sciences in general and geography in particular.
In the second part, the lessons will introduce the topic of development projects as a response to socio-environmental crises. In this phase, the main public policies and private strategies that aim to combine local development and environmental protection will be presented, along with the main issues related to their implementation.
The last part of the course explores the topic of Nature-Based Solutions (with particular reference to reforestation projects), illustrating the general characteristics of the sector and analyzing specific projects that have already been completed or are currently being implemented.
In the second part, the lessons will introduce the topic of development projects as a response to socio-environmental crises. In this phase, the main public policies and private strategies that aim to combine local development and environmental protection will be presented, along with the main issues related to their implementation.
The last part of the course explores the topic of Nature-Based Solutions (with particular reference to reforestation projects), illustrating the general characteristics of the sector and analyzing specific projects that have already been completed or are currently being implemented.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is aimed at students enrolled in the second year of the master's degree program in "Analysis, planning and sustainable management of land and territory".
Knowledge of the basic concepts of human geography is required.
Knowledge of the basic concepts of human geography is required.
Teaching methods
The course aims to combine theoretical analysis with practical examples of contemporary problems and development policies. To this end, during the lectures various tools will be used (presentations, maps, short videos, policy documents, ...) that help understanding the complexity of the processes presented.
The teacher intends to stimulate the active participation of the students in order to encourage the emergence of a critical approach to the subject.
Some lectures will be specifically devoted to classroom work on technical documents related to the course topics.
Some educational excursions are planned to further explore the topics covered in the course.
The teacher intends to stimulate the active participation of the students in order to encourage the emergence of a critical approach to the subject.
Some lectures will be specifically devoted to classroom work on technical documents related to the course topics.
Some educational excursions are planned to further explore the topics covered in the course.
Teaching Resources
Attending students
- Capra F., Luisi P.L. (2014), The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision, Cambridge University Press (chapts. 1 to 8 and 16 to 18)
- United Nations Environment Programme (2022). Nature-based Solutions: Opportunities and Challenges for Scaling Up. Nairobi. (https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/40783/nature_based_solutions.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y)
- Contents of the lectures
Non-attending students
- Capra F., Luisi P.L. (2014), The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision, Cambridge University Press (chapts. 1 to 8 and 16 to 18)
- Ramalingam B. (2013), Aid on the Edge of Chaos: Rethinking International Cooperation in a Complex World, Oxford University Press
- Capra F., Luisi P.L. (2014), The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision, Cambridge University Press (chapts. 1 to 8 and 16 to 18)
- United Nations Environment Programme (2022). Nature-based Solutions: Opportunities and Challenges for Scaling Up. Nairobi. (https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/40783/nature_based_solutions.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y)
- Contents of the lectures
Non-attending students
- Capra F., Luisi P.L. (2014), The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision, Cambridge University Press (chapts. 1 to 8 and 16 to 18)
- Ramalingam B. (2013), Aid on the Edge of Chaos: Rethinking International Cooperation in a Complex World, Oxford University Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
For attending students, the final grade will consist of the weighted average of two factors: classroom group work, and an individual oral exam.
- During the course, working groups will be formed to analyze an environmental development project.
- The oral exam aims to evaluate the knowledge of the program's topics, the clarity in the presentation of complex processes and the ability to critically interpret the topics presented.
- During the course, working groups will be formed to analyze an environmental development project.
- The oral exam aims to evaluate the knowledge of the program's topics, the clarity in the presentation of complex processes and the ability to critically interpret the topics presented.
Professor(s)