PIR-20067 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module introduces some of the key historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics and policy. You will explore the political nature, and historical context, of environmental problems and controversies and the roles that countries, political institutions and social groups play in effecting environmental policy change. You will develop the skills you need to become as effective changemaker in society, developing the argumentation and communication skills necessary to analyse contemporary environmental problems critically, and thus respond to them effectively.

This module introduces you to key historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics and policy. In particular, it explores:
- The political nature of environmental problems and controversies.
- The diverse historical, political, and cultural origins of environmental issues and disputes.
- The interconnections between local and global environmental challenges.
- The challenges environmental issues pose to political institutions.
- The power dynamics between developed and developing countries, as well as among social groups within political communities.
- The various strategies and tactics employed for environmental advocacy and change.

Intended Learning Outcomes

distinguish between a range of perspectives on environmental issues and appreciate how environmental issues may be understood as political issues;: 2
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;: 1,2
apply conceptual tools in order to analyse critically environmental problems and controversies;: 2
identify and explain the political dimensions of environmental issues, while understanding the particular historical, cultural and social contexts in which they arise;: 1,2
identify and formulate effective arguments;: 1,2
communicate effectively in writing.: 1,2

Study hours

12 hours of attendance at lectures
12 hours of attendance at seminars
40 hours of preparation for lectures and seminars (including doing the required reading)
24 hours writing and revising the article review
62 hours researching and writing the research paper

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment