Contents:
This course focuses on the nature and causes of environmental problems in developing countries with specific attention given to the institutional and political structures governing ecological sustainability and economic development. Student will learn to identify and critically assess institutional and political strategies for managing environment and natural resources through concepts such as ecological modernization theory, political ecology, and global value chain analysis. These approaches are illustrated in the lectures through a series of case-studies from developing countries. Students are also given the opportunity to experience the practice of decision making over environment through a course long role-play or 'simulation'. Using these approaches attention is given to both the causes and solutions of environmental problems and the role of state and non state actors interacting at local, national and global scales. The course is given in English and caters for MSc students with an interest and background in both technical and social environmental sciences.
Learning outcomes:
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the history and background to contemporary causes and solutions to environmental problems in developing nations;
- distinguish key concepts and theories that help to explain the relationship between environment and development;
- apply key concepts drawn from the theories taught in the course, to a relevant aspect of the simulation that explains the dilemmas and solutions to environmental problems in developing countries;
- support ideas of how governance and policy can better contribute to improved development and environment outcomes;
- practice analytical skills for critical social science through individual academic writing by locating relevant literature and organizing theories and concepts.
