Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Climate Change in Asia
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 35195
Module Lead	Julie Gilson
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Climate change is without doubt the greatest challenge to our planet and to our lives. As we start to witness noticeable changes in our weather systems and biodiversity within Europe, many of the states in Asia have for decades already been living with some of the most dramatic evidence of climate change the world has seen. As a region so dramatically affected, there are also many reasons to look to Asia for some of the necessary responses to climate change; from scientific advances and new social movements and trends; to opportunities for improved climate governance. This broad canvas forms the basis of the module, as we highlight specific cases studies within and across the states of the region. The module enables final year students to gain a detailed understanding of the principal issues related to climate change in the Asian region; to study some the main state approaches to these problems (including China’s); to examine non-state actor behaviour at state and international levels (and particularly the rise of climate change action among non-governmental organisations); and to analyse some of the challenges in balancing economic development and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Have gained a broad understanding of the impact and consequences of climate change on the socio-economic stability and security of people living in Asia. Demonstrate an ability to critique and evaluate the different theoretical IR approaches for studying climate change. Apply the knowledge gained in theoretical and empirical study to an evaluation of the impact of climate change on at least three cases studies within Asia.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 2 x 500 word briefing paper (15% each), 3000 word essay (50%) and 3 minute podcast on one case study (20%) Reassessment: N/A
Other
Reading List