2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5472M Environmental Policy and Governance
15 creditsClass Size: 80
Module manager: Dr James Van Alstine
Email: J.VanAlstine@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jan (Adv pre 2223), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
Within this module, we examine the multiple pathways through which human-environment interaction is governed. We recognise how both structural forces and multiple actors at and between multiple scales and levels may shape and constrain environmental governance processes and outcomes. A central focus of the course is how the alleged limitations of conventional state-led environmental protection have given way to a proliferation of 'new' environmental policy instruments where state-market-civil society distinctions blur. We explore these changing modes of environmental policy and governance within and between the international, regional, national and local levels of analysis. The course illustrates these ongoing processes through the use of practical examples from both developed and developing countries. The seminars engage critically with the core readings and showcase the wide-range of research being undertaken within the Sustainability Research Institute. For further information contact j.vanalstine@leeds.ac.uk.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should:1. Understand the nature, influence and limits of different environmental policy instruments.
2. Be familiar with the changing ways in which environmental governance processes and outcomes are shaped and constrained in different contexts.
2. Understand the significance of scale in environmental governance.
3. Understand the different roles that governments, markets and civil society actors can play in influencing environmental policy and governance.
4. Understand the changing role of government and the significance of institutional capacities in shaping the abilities of governments to exert influence.
5. Be familiar with cross-cutting issues such as risk, science and the contestation of knowledge in environmental policy and governance.
6. Have improved written communication and group work skills.
7. Be more confident public speakers.
Syllabus
Part I: Introduction to environmental policy instruments
1. Introduction and Policy instruments 1: Environmental regulations
2. Policy instruments 2: Market-based instruments
3. Policy instruments 3: Information-based instruments
4. Policy instruments 4: Voluntary instruments
Part II: Theory and conceptual debates
5. Theories of the policy process
6. Multi-scale environmental governance
7. Global environmental governance
Part III: Cross-Cutting Issues and Future Directions
8. Agency in environmental governance
9. Risk, science and the contestation of knowledge in environmental governance
10. Environmental policy and governance in the Anthropocene
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
- 6 hours reading per lecture/seminar (60 hours)- Preparation for policy instrument report (15 hours)
- Preparation for exam (45 hours).
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Formative feedback provided during seminars starting in week 1.- Summative feedback will be provided for the policy instrument report
- There will also be a written exam at the end of the term.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Report | Policy instrument report (1,000 words) | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 70.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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