People and the Environment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG4090 | Geography | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- GEOG4090
- School
- Geography
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module will provide an introduction to the central issues facing people and the environment in the Anthropocene. The first half of the module will explore key themes and approaches for understanding these environmental issues. These may include Environmental Knowledge(s), Risk perception, Ecosystem services, Environmental Governance, Gender issues, and legal perspectives. The second half of the module will engage with these concepts in the context of current environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity, urbanisation, and water management.
Target Students
MSc Environmental Leadership & Management and MRes Geography students.
Classes
Teaching will take place through lectures, seminars, student-led discussion and interactive activities.
Assessment
- 80% Coursework 1: Essay 3000 words
- 20% Coursework 2: Presentation in pre-recorded video file
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to key global environmental issues at the nexus of people and the environment. The module will explore critical approaches to these environmental problems, and their impact on society.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and Understanding. The student will be able to:
- Describe a range of projected long-term impacts that have been caused by the interplay between human society and the environment, e.g., global climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Understand wider issues surrounding environmental controversies in the Anthropocene, including: public perceptions and attitudes towards the environment, environmental governance, and environmental decision-making.
- Explore various case studies of environmental controversies, and how critical academic approaches can help recognise the complexities of human-environment relationships.
b. Intellectual Skills. The student will be able to:
Critically evaluate the complexities and interconnections between environmental issues and the societies that helped produce them.
Appreciate and justify environmental management and governance decision-making on key environmental issues, at global, national, and local scales.
Critically assess potential solutions to combating future environmental issues detailed in existing, academic literature.
c. Professional Practical Skills. The student will be able to:
Analyse the most recent evidence from the wider academic community to inform environmental decision-making processes.
Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and construct a critical argument that acknowledges the complex interplay between environment and society.
d. Transferable Skills. The student will be able to:
Frame and scope complex global problems associated with the nexus of people and the environment.
Engage in verbal and written communication with peers.
Implement scheduling and time management operations.
Conveners
- Dr Thomas Davies