Environmental Pol in the Anthropocene (L2111)
Environmental Politics in the Anthropocene
Module L2111
Module details for 2023/24.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
In the face of fast-paced environmental changes, climate scientists describe the present as a new earth age, the Anthropocene, where humanity is the most impactful geological force. The Anthropocene challenges fundamental assumptions about how politics works, what it can achieve, and how it can respond to global problems. Students will explore a range of perspectives on ecology and its governance from and beyond the Global North. By engaging with policymaking, activism and art, the module unpacks who or what is responsible for the burgeoning climate crisis, and where solutions might be found.
Module learning outcomes
Show knowledge of different theoretical frameworks, ideas and concepts that can be used to analyse and design governance in the Anthropocene in their links and tensions.
Locate and evaluate academic literature related to environmental politics in theory and practice.
Identify the various groups engaged in environmental politics in the public, private and non-governmental spheres and critically evaluate their roles in environmental politics.
Use a range of established techniques, including ethnography or participant observation, to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis.
Identify the powers available to environmental policymakers and institutions and critically evaluate the effectiveness of these resources for solving environmental problems.
Identify and research a key issue or question related to politics in the Anthropocene.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Report (2000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 30.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11110011111 |
| Autumn Semester | Fieldwork | 5 hours | 00001000000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Hannah Richter
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/341320
Dr Rebecca Dobson Phillips
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/307972
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.