Taught Masters Modules: POL6760 - Global Politics of the Environment and Climate Change

Level: MA
Credits: 30

Module Leader: Dr Hayley Stevenson 

Description

This module examines why global environmental problems occur and how the international community has sought to resolve such problems. Students will develop an advanced understanding of theoretical approaches to the study of global environmental politics; competing accounts of the causes of environmental problems; the institutional and normative foundations of global environmental governance; the process of negotiating and implementing multilateral environmental agreements; and perspectives on environmental justice. A range of issues will be examined including climate change, deforestation, water, consumption, and waste.

Objectives

This module aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of the global politics of the environment and climate change. By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of different understandings of the causes of environmental problems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of states, civil society, and business in global environmental governance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary environmental challenges.
• Apply theoretical and conceptual tools to the analysis of the political dimensions of modern environmental problems.
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including the ability to evaluate advanced concepts and theories, to employ both primary and secondary sources, and to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and oral form. Students are also expected to pursue independent learning and to demonstrate critical judgement.

Assessment

• First Essay: 40%
• Second Essay: 60%