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Course & Unit Catalogues


PL52171: The politics of the environment

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWES 70%, CWRI 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • Research Paper on the political implications of environmental action (CWRI 30% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
  • Essay on one of the topics discussed in class (CWES 70% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the unit, you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a clear understanding of the social and political causes and consequences of global environmental change
  • contribute to debates on the evolution and future of the global environmental governance regime
  • critically describe and analyse the role of key actors in the evolution of climate change as a policy issue
  • critically evaluate existing responses to global environmental change



Synopsis: Drawing on insights from politics, international political economy and political ecology, you'll explore key issues in environmental politics. You'll acquire a critical awareness of the social and political causes and impacts of global environmental change by studying topics like carbon markets and the role of technology. Through theoretical reflection and empirical analysis, youll develop strong analytical skills and assess solutions for the most complex and defining challenge of our times.

Content: The Unit introduces the evolution of the global environmental governance regime. The unit then considers the role that science and technology play in environmental politics and policy making, and assesses the social and political barriers to environmental action. The unit then investigates historical and contemporary case studies of environmental issues through a theoretical and practical angle. Finally, the unit considers different responses to the challenge of global environmental change.

Course availability:

PL52171 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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