2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3333 EU Environmental Policy

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Simon Lightfoot
Email: S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

It is said that 80% of environmental legislation passed in member states originated from the EU. The EU plays in role in issues ranging from water quality and chemicals to climate change and GM Foods. This module explores why the EU is such an important player in this realm of policy. It explores whether the EU values economic growth over protection of the environment, how environmental policy decisions are made, how enlargement effected environmental policy, why environmental legislation is so hard to implement and the role of the EU in global environmental governance. For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:-
1. Discuss the historical origins and development of the EU's environmental policy and be able to explain and evaluate its evolution and its current form by reference to core theoretical concepts.
2. Describe and analyse the pattern of relations between key actors, such as the member states, accession states, the institutions, political parties and interest groups in the field of environmental policy.
3. Identify and explain the problems that enlargement raises for the EU's environmental policy.
4. Critically analyse the EU's sustainability strategy.
5. Explain the reasons for the EU's success and failures in international environmental diplomacy.
6. Demonstrate, through written work and in seminars, an ability to apply the theoretical perspectives to contemporary policy-making problems within EU environmental policy.

Syllabus

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of core concepts and debates in environmental politics and policy by focusing specifically upon the development and implementation of EU environmental policy. Students will be introduced to the debates about the nature of the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation and the policy paradigms that have been developed to address environmental problems. Focus upon the EU will offer the opportunity for students to develop further their understanding of the EU's policy-making role and of the relationship between existing and future member states, the EU's institutions, and between EU actors and the international community.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

10 hours preparation per class meeting (110 hours) and 68 hours for writing up and preparing course work

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 1,500 word formative essay mid-module

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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: 12/02/2008

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