| Unit name | Society, Politics and Climate Change |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLIM0055 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Parrott |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| 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:
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
One class presentation (0%), one assessed 4000 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.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. POLIM0055).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
