This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module aims to widen students' knowledge of a variety of topical and/or scientifically important or controversial environmental issues, to encourage students to look at environmental studies from the perspectives of the several social science disciplines (anthropology, law, political science, social policy, and sociology), to make connections between questions stimulated by their own individual disciplinary backgrounds and those raised in the course, and to reflect critically upon the advantages and limitations of the various perspectives. The module covers a variety of topics which are likely to include: the nature of environmental issues; the social construction of risk and the precautionary principle; global warming, climate change and energy policy; the rise of environmental consciousness and environmentalism; food and agriculture; environmental policy and regulation; environmental policy and law; ecotourism; ecology and development; traditional societies and sustainability
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total study hours: 200
Environmental Social Science MSc (compulsory module)
Other SSPSSR taught master programmes – option module
Main assessment methods
Coursework assignment (5000 words) – 100%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Bell, M. (2009) An Invitation to Environmental Sociology, 3th Edition, London: SAGE Publications
Cudworth, E (2003) Environment and Society, London: Routledge
Dunlap, R. & Michelson, W (eds.) (2001) Handbook of Environmental Sociology, Santa Barbara: Greenwood Press
Hannigan, J. (2006) Environmental Sociology, 2nd Edition, London: Routledge
Harper, C. (2007) Environment and Society, 4th Edition, Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall
Redclift, M. & Benton, T (eds.) (1994) Social Theory and the Global Environment, London: Routledge
Sutton, P (2004) Nature, Environment and Society, Basingstoke: Palgrave
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 Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of a variety of social science perspectives upon the environment
8.2 Be able to employ different social science disciplines (sociology, political science, anthropology and law) to critically assess a range of scientifically important/controversial environmental issues
8.3 Be able to make connections between different environmental issues in a manner that demonstrates a detailed understanding of how the issues interrelate
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 acquired 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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