2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5562M International Relations and the Environment

30 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Prof Jan Selby
Email: J.Selby@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will provide an advanced introduction to the international relations of global environmental change. Students will acquire a broad base of knowledge and understanding in the relevant issues and arguments, and be able to develop more specialised knowledge through focussed research leading to the assessed essay. On completion of the module, students should be able to analyse the emerging international relations of the environment in a global context. Transferable skills of research, presentation and writing will be developed through the course work and assessed essay. Topics covered include the environment in international relations, limits of the state, regimes in the international system, the global commons (oceans, antarctica, atmosphere, space), international agreements & institutions, non-governmental organisations & environmental activism, national public policy and the environment, environment and development, science and risk and public choice, and environmental dimensions of globalization and security.

Objectives

This module aims to: (1) Develop a familiarity with the central issues in the international relations of the environment; (2) Develop a capacity to compare different approaches and perspectives on the environment with reference to each other, as well as their own respective strengths and weaknesses; (3) develop a capacity to link theoretical ideas to events in the international system, both historical and contemporary; (4) Apply concepts to events in the international system. In addition, the module aims to develop the ability to present both oral and written material, of a complex discursive nature, that is logically coherent, well-structured and well-presented; and (5) Undertake independent research within the overall structure of a reading list, seminar and lecture plan.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical understanding of the central issues in the international relations of the environment.
2. Critically reflect on the key arguments and approaches offered by scholars and policy makers in international relations about the environment .
3. Demonstrate understanding and make connections between the theoretical perspectives on the environment in IR to both historical and contemporary challenges, problems, and issues pertaining to the environment.
4. Use the concepts and methods of International Relations to understand the challenges posed by global environmental change.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify, compare and evaluate different approaches and perspectives on the environment, as well as their respective strengths and weaknesses, and to apply these to wider contexts.
2. Deploy theoretical ideas and concepts which have analytic usefulness.
3. Present oral/written material, of a complex discursive nature, that is logically coherent, well-structured and well-presented.
4. Undertake independent research.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will have an opportunity to submit a 2-page plan of their essay. Module staff will provide formative feedback on this which can be used to shape the final summative assessment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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 website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:21

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