The driving causes of biodiversity loss are not just ecological, but also political, economic and cultural, and conservationists need to acquire the knowledge and skills to address broader social contexts. This module aims to introduce students to cutting-edge debates about the place of local people in biodiversity conservation, and provide them with an overview of the essential role that the social sciences play in the analysis of environmental issues. Objectives of the module are to provide students with a broad conceptual understanding of the social context of conservation; knowledge of the history of conservation approaches towards local communities; familiarity with key issues in the implementation of community conservation; and a critical approach to analysis of the current conservation debates.
Private Study: 125
Contact Hours: 25
Total: 150
Compulsory to the following courses:
• BA Environmental Social Sciences/Environment and Sustainability and cognate courses
Optional to the following courses:
• BSc Human Geography and cognate courses
• BSc in Wildlife Conservation and cognate courses
Also available as an elective module
Main assessment methods
• Essay/Report (2000 words) (50%)
• Examination, 2 hour (50%)
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment instrument: Like for like
*Exams will be online*
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand the history of western conservation approaches towards local communities
2 Acquire a broad conceptual understanding of the social context of conservation, including economic, cultural and political factors
3 Acquire familiarity with different forms of community conservation and key issues and techniques in its implementation
4 Analyse case studies and come up with practical recommendations for management measures related to the relationship between communities and conservation
5 Critically approach and analyse the current conservation debates.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
