Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Environment and climate politics: from global to local
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 36020
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	Environmental deterioration is a huge challenge facing humanity. Climate change, habitat destruction, pollution and overconsumption are causing poverty, hunger, migration and the spread of disease for millions. Worse is expected in the future if we don’t act swiftly and decisively.This module interrogates the politics and practices of human interaction with the environment, focusing on both theoretical debates and case studies. The theory covered in the module focuses on how our relationship with the planet is socially constructed, and interrogates different approaches to solving environmental problems, including market based approaches and more radical green theories. The module also examines case studies in environmental politics; these may change from year to year but usually include issues like climate change, animal rights, sustainable development and the relationship between poverty and environment. These issues are covered from a global, national and local perspective.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Explain the role and impact of different actors in environmental case studies Analyse and evaluate key debates in local and global environmental politics Explain and critically reflect upon theories of environmental politics
Assessment	36020-01 : 1000 Word Assessment : Coursework (25%) 36020-03 : 3000 Word Assessment : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 500 word essay (15%) 1 x 3000 word essay (85%) or piece of creative work equivalent to 2000 words (50%) + 1000 word reflection (35%) Reassessment by failed component
Other
Reading List