Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Nature and society ¿ the distinction between the two seems simple and fundamental, at least at first glance. Whether it is natural resource depletion, changing climate, protecting wilderness, saving endangered species, or living during a pandemic, we worry about the impacts society has on nature and vice versa. Practices of conservation have emerged to safeguard the parts of the natural world we particularly value. But our ideas about nature are often multiple and contradictory; and discussions about our duties to nature often disguise deeper claims about economic benefits and social equity. This module engages with interdisciplinary ideas about nature, and examines approaches to conservation in policy and practice.
Aims
Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the concept of nature and practices of conservation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain how conceptualisations of nature inform understandings of place, environment, and identity: 1,2Demonstrate how different perceptions, values and politics of nature influence conservation policies, decision-making and practice: 1,2Evaluate and explore conservation policy and practice at global, national and local levels: 1,2
20 hours blended delivery 40 hours essay preparation40 hours poster preparation50 hours independent study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 50%EssaySelect one question from the list provided - 1,500-word essay.
2: Assignment weighted 50%PosterDesign an educational poster which focuses on an example of nature conservation in policy and practice. This is not a poster presentation - only the poster will be assessed.