This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module's approach will be broadly cross-nationally comparative, embracing, in particular, examples from Europe, North America, Australia and the global South, and it will pursue intellectually and substantively interesting questions without regard for disciplinary boundaries. Indicative examples of topics which may be offered include:
The dimensions of environmental politics. Thinking about the environment from 'ecophilosophy' to green political thought; environmentalism and ecologism. The development and social bases of modern environmental concern and modern environmentalism for example Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace. The rise of radical ecologism and environmental direct action involving groups such as Earth First and the potential extension to Eco-terrorism
The institutionalisation of environmentalism and the persistence of environmental protest and comparative analysis of environmental movements in areas the global North and South and eastern Europe and the globalisation and the trans-nationalisation of environmentalism: and whether this indicates the development of a global environmental movement.
Local environmental campaigning from NIMBY to NOPE and the greening of party politics and the rise of Green parties including comparing and explaining variations in the success of Green Parties. Whether democracy good for the environment including the effect of democratic versus authoritarian regimes and democratic, deliberative and inclusionary procedures in environmental decision-making. The future of environmental politics in the age of climate change relating to institutionalisation, fragmentation, environmental and global justice.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total study hours: 200
Political Sociology MA
Sociology MA
Two Year Masters in Sociology MA
Civil Society, NGO and Non-profit Studies MA
Main assessment methods
Coursework - (essay (5000 words) - 100%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Carter, N (2007) The politics of the Environment 2nd ed, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Connelly, J, Smith, G, Benson, D, Saunders, C (2012) Politics and the Environment: from theory to practice 3rd edition, London: Routledge
Doherty, B and Doyle, T (2013) Environmentalism, Resistance and Solidarity: The Politics of Friends of the Earth, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Doyle, T and MacGregor, S (eds) (2014) Environmental Movements Around the World, San Francisco: Praeger.
Zelko, F (2013) Make It a Green Peace! The Rise of a Countercultural Environmentalism, Oxford: Oxford University Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Have developed an advanced understanding of the range of issues and central problems raised in political scientists' and sociologists' discussions of environmental politics.
8.2 Be able to conduct advanced debate, both oral and in written form, regarding the way in which the environment can be considered as not simply a natural object but as a socially constructed and politically contested phenomenon.
8.3 Be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the politicisation of the environment, and the range of forms of organisations involved in environmental politics including pressure groups, formal environmental NGOs and movement organisations, green parties, local environmental groups and radical environmental protest movements.
8.4 Have an advanced understanding of the various forms of action by which environmental politics has been prosecuted in various states at various times.
8.5 Have developed advanced knowledge of comparative environmental politics including the ability to critically compare differing national contexts and constellations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Be able to demonstrate highly developed skills in presentation and debate, both verbal and written, and in utilization of research and statistical data.
9.2 Have acquire advanced research skills through library investigation, critical debate and essay writing.
9.3 Be able to synthesise and evaluate items of knowledge from different schools and disciplines of enquiry.
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