School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy  
 
 
PIR-20067 Environmental Politics and Policy  
Co-ordinator: Dr Sherilyn MacGregor    Room: CBB2.012, Tel:33352  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Politics Dual Honours (Level 2)
Politics Major (Level 2)
Politics Minor (Level 2)
Politics Single Honours (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
None

Description

This module provides a level two introduction to some of the key historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics and policy. In particular it aims to explore:

&· The political nature of environmental problems and controversies;
&· The diverse historical, political, and cultural roots of contemporary environmental problems
and controversies;
&· Connections between local and global environmental issues;
&· Challenges posed by environmental issues to political institutions;
&· Power relationships between developed and developing countries, and between social groups within political communities; and the various strategies and tactics used to bring about environmental change, such as government policy-making and regulation, corporate environmental responsibility,and social movement activism.

Emphasis is placed on the complexity of contemporary environmental issues and controversies, and on developing the skills necessary to analyse them critically, and thus respond to them effectively.
The module enables students to develop their argumentation and communication skills.

Students will be assessed on a portfolio of 5 short pieces of writing designed to develop argumentation skills (50%), a mid-term class test (formative) and a research essay (50%).
Aims
This module aims to provide an introduction to some of the key historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics and policy. In particular it aims to explore:
&· The political nature of environmental problems and controversies;
&· The diverse historical, political, and cultural roots of contemporary environmental problems and controversies;
&· Connections between local and global environmental issues;
&· Challenges posed by environmental issues to political institutions;
&· Power relationships between developed and developing countries, and between social groups within political communities; and
&· The various strategies and tactics used for bringing about environmental change, including government policy-making and regulation, corporate environmental responsibility and social movement activism.

Emphasis will be placed on the complexity of contemporary environmental issues and controversies, and on developing the skills necessary to analyse them critically, and thus respond to them effectively. The module enables students to develop their argumentation and communication skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Distinguish between a range of perspectives on environmental issues and appreciate how environmental issues may be understood as political issues will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Identify and explain the political dimensions of environmental issues, while understanding the particular historical, cultural and social contexts in which they arise will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Identify and explain the range of strategies available for bringing about environmental-political change, including the policy process at different levels, corporate environmental responsibility, and social movement activism. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Apply conceptual tools in order to analyse critically environmental problems and controversies will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Identify and formulate effective arguments will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Study hours
14 hours attendance at lectures
8 hours attendance at seminars
40 hours preparation for lectures and seminars (including doing required reading)
45 hours writing and revising portfolio assignments)
5 hours preparation for class test
48 hours researching and writing research paper
Description of Module Assessment
01: Portfolio weighted 50%
A portfolio of small writing assignments focusing on argumentation skills
Students will compile a portfolio of short pieces of writing that they have completed over the course of the semester. There will be short writing assignment due at or after each seminar. Each assignment will focus on some aspect of argumentation (e.g., identifying premises, identifying logical fallacies, composing an argument, writing an abstract, etc.). Some pieces of writing will be discussed during seminars and some will be posted on the KLE. Feedback will be provided by peers and tutors to enable students to improve these pieces of writing and then select a sample of their 5 best pieces for assessment at the end of the semester.
02: Class Test
A mid-term test to be completed during class time
This mid-term test will assess students' comprehension and ability to apply the key concepts and ideas discussed in the first half of the module. It is intended to facilitate retention and demonstrate application of the ideas and concepts that will be necessary for successful completion of the research paper.
03: Research Paper weighted 50%
A 2,500 word research paper including 250 word abstract
Students will write a research paper that develops a critical analysis of a particular environmental issue or problem using theories, concepts, and methods discussed in the module. A list of essay topics will be available in the second half of the module.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.