Environmental issues have become central matters of public concern and political contention, but addressing these issues is a complicated matter. How can we navigate these complexities to make meaningful, positive change for the environment? In this module we shall consider explanations for the rise of environmental concern as well as the forms of organisation that have been adopted to address environmental questions. This class follows the development of environmental protest from the philosophical to the political. In doing so, we examine various scales of political engagement including the grassroots, nation-state, and international. We will critically examine sociological analyses of environmental inequality, protest participation, institutionalisation, and capitalist co-optation of sustainability efforts. Upon careful consideration of various interventions, approaches, theories, and bodies of research, you will gain confidence in confronting the sustainability challenges that currently and increasingly concern a variety of industries, charities, governments, civic organisations and communities. A greener, more sustainable and equitable society depends on people just like you. This class aims to foster your ambition, leadership, and collaborative skills to realize this potential.
Lectures 16 hours, Workshops 8 hours, Seminars 8 hours
10 (one per session) 50 words each (500 words total) * Reading responses at 2% worth a total of 20% of the overall module mark.
Critical analysis (1500 words) Worth 40% of the total marks for the module
10 minute PowerPoint presentation Community project Worth 40% of the total marks for the module.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument.100% written assessment (1,500 words)
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Appraise and analyse the varieties of political action concerned with the environment and associated strategic dilemmas
2) Critically evaluate the development of environmental protest and environmental movements and of the changing character of environmental movement organisations
3) Account for the emergence and development of green parties and the greening of the agenda of other parties
4) Evaluate the political responses to global environmental issues
5) Discuss critically the ways in which political ideas about the environment have been translated into political action
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.