Key competences

Observation competence: the ability to carefully observe a situation in the field; to create a comprehensive overview of a complex situation; and to allow for examination of the whole situation before drawing conclusions.

Participation competence: the ability to recognise values and goal conflicts of different stakeholders in society; to participate in work "out in the field" with commitment and dedication; and to empathise with the goals and feelings of stakeholders in the field.

Visionary thinking competence: the ability to understand factors that stimulate and block creativity in individuals and groups; to understand the processes that enhance a group’s ability to identify today’s critical challenges and envision a desired future state; and the ability to inspire change by helping a group develop and align around a shared vision.

Reflection competence: the ability to be aware of the role of reflection in personal learning and development; the ability to connect situations in the field to theory related to farming and food systems as well as personal growth and development; and to embrace self-guided learning.

Dialogue competence: the ability to understand the difference between discussion, debate and dialogue; to introduce a group to the purpose and guidelines for dialogue; to identify and formulate questions which stimulate a dialogic approach; appreciate and explore a variety of perspectives and be able to identify and challenge the assumptions behind one’s own and a group’s thinking.

Knowledge

• Can describe systems by means of general systems theory and concepts
• Can explain the difference between simple, complex and "wicked" or "messy" problems in human activity systems and between methodologies adequate for dealing with each category
• Can explain various interpretations and applications of agroecology
• Can describe farming and food systems (structure, properties and functioning) by means of general systems theory and agroecological theory
• Can describe the concept of sustainability and approaches to working with it
• Can explain key prerequisites for sustainability of ecosystems in general and agroecosystems in particular
• Can describe principles and steps in participatory action learning or inquiry processes

Skills

• Ability to observe, describe, analyse and facilitate improvement of farming and food systems by means of a holistic, participatory, action-oriented, stepwise inquiry process
• Ability to work on relationships between parts and the whole and between different goals and worldviews in farming and food systems characterised by complexity, "messiness" and a need for a transition towards improved sustainability

General competences

• Ability to open-mindedly observe a "messy" situation
• Ability to participate in observing, describing, analysing and facilitating improvement in a "messy" situation
• Ability to envision a desired future state
• Ability to dialogue and communicate
• Ability to reflect on experiences as linked to relevant theory and personal development
• Ability of systems thinking
• Ability to deal critically and constructively with attitudes and value-based choices
• Ability of open-minded, autonomous and life-long learning
• Ability to facilitate change processes towards sustainability in farming and food systems

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Vekting av eksamen er: De to grupperapporter teller 40%, individuell refleksjonsrapport teller 30%, muntlig eksamen teller 20% og kursdeltagelse (aktivitet) teller 10%. Alle deler må være bestått.