Course code VidZ4006

Credit points 3

Environmental Policy I

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures24

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation15.02.2011

Responsible UnitInstutute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering

Course developer

author prof.

Ainis Lagzdiņš

Dr. sc. ing.

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of environmental policy. During lectures, seminars and practical works, students overview the interdisciplinary nature of environmental policy and actualities in development and implementation of the content of environmental policy, the concept of sustainable development, the availability and use of natural resources, the priority environmental problems in Latvia and the European Union, as well as the institutions and legislation for environmental protection.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Upon the completion of this course students will have:
• knowledge in the content of environmental policy, development process, stakeholders, principles and tools used in creation and implementation of environmental policy, understanding in interrelations (Test 1 and Test 2);
• ability to identify environmental problems, assess their causes and consequences, select potential solutions to prevent a particular environmental problem or reduce its impact in the context of creation and implementation of environmental policy (Test 3);

• competence to comprehensively collect, critically evaluate, accordingly analyze and appropriately apply available information in environmental policy (Test 4, examination).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Concept of environmental policy (2 h).
2. Development of environmental policy (2 h) –Test 1.
3. Factors affecting environmental policy (3 h).
4. Creation and implementation of environmental policy (3 h).
5. Concept of sustainable development and importance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (3 h) – Test 2.
6. Natural resources in the context of sustainable development (3 h).
7. The European Green Deal – climate, energy, agriculture, industry (4 h).
8. The European Green Deal – environment and oceans, transport, finance and regional development, research and innovation (4 h) – Test 3.
9. Environmental policy guidelines for 2021-2027 in Latvia (4 h).
10. Institutions and legislation for environmental protection in Latvia (4 h) – Test 4, examination.

Part time extramural studies:
All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number indicated in the calendar.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The final evaluation upon completion of this study course will depend on the cumulative number of points obtained during the semester, which consists of four tests (40 points), class attendance (10 points) and examination (50 points). The total number of points to be possibly obtained is 100. In order to be admitted to the examination, students must have written and passed with a successful grade all four tests.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students should independently prepare for four tests and examination by using the information reviewed during lectures, seminars and practical works and recommended literature.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final evaluation upon completion of this study course will depend on the cumulative number of points obtained during the semester, which consists of four tests, class attendance and examination.
The grades will be assigned using the following scale:
58 ... 63 points – 4 (almost satisfactory);
64 ... 69 points – 5 (satisfactory);
70 ... 75 points – 6 (almost good);
76 ... 81 points – 7 (good);
82 ... 87 points – 8 (very good);
88 ... 93 points – 9 (excellent);

> 94 points – 10 (with distinction).

Compulsory reading

1. Blumberga A., Blumberga D., Bažbauers G., Davidsens P., Moxnes E., Dzene I., Barisa A., Žogla G., Dāce E., Bērziņa A. Sistēmiskas domāšanas integrēšana vides politikā. Rīga: Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes Vides aizsardzības un siltuma sistēmu institūts, 2010. 225 lpp.
2. Kļaviņš M., Zaļoksnis J. Vide un ilgtspējīga attīstība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. 334 lpp.

3. Lazdiņa Ē., Bendere R., Ozola A., Brizga J., Kauliņš J. Vides komunikācija un vides politikas integrācija. Rīga: REC Latvija, 2010. 135 lpp.

Further reading

1. Meseršmits K., Meiere S., Ūsiņa E. Eiropas vides tiesības: mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 2003. 460 lpp.

2. Strautmanis J. Vides ētika un vides tiesības. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2003. 187 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrijas mājas lapa [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 20.07.2022.]. Pieejams: https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv. Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

2. Zemkopības ministrijas mājas lapa [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 20.07.2022.]. Pieejams: https://www.zm.gov.lv/. Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

Notes

Compulsory course in full time intramural and part time extramural studies of the professional bachelor’s study programme “Environment and Water Management” of the Faculty of Environment and Civil Engineering