Unit name | Environmental Politics |
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Unit code | POLIM2041 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Flint |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit highlights a range of key environmental concepts, issues and controversies in both the North and South, and encourages critical awareness of the causes and consequences of environmental change. The history of environmentalism will be traced, the 'true' state of the environmental crisis considered, and particular emphasis placed upon the importance of how we understand the environment as a determinant of the actions and agendas undertaken to solve environmental ills. The relationship between capitalism, accumulation and the environment will be assessed together with the role of the state in preventing and exacerbating environmental decline. Concepts such as sustainable development, 'weak' and 'strong' sustainability; environmental economics; zero-growth; and the 'steady-state', will all be considered as possible solutions to perceived environmental problems. Likewise, the implications of the 'mainstreaming' of environmental politics will also be discussed.
Aims:
One class presentation (0%), one assessed 3,500 word essay (100%). The class presentation will allow students to engage with an aspect of the course that is of particular interest to them. The aim for the presenter is to stimulate debate, encourage class participation and stress particular themes.
The essay will facilitate additional research, enabling students to indulge their curiosity to a far greater extent. Furthermore, the essay will afford students the opportunity to display the depth and breadth of their comprehension of the major themes of the course.