2016/17 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: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
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 multiple scales 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 scales of analysis. The course illustrates these ongoing processes through the use of practical examples from both developed and developing countries. The seminars 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. 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 (i.e. global, national, local) and networks in environmental governance.
3. Understand the different roles that governments, markets and civil society actors can play in influencing environmental governance.
4. Understand the nature, influence and limits of different modes of environmental policy and governance.
5. Understand the changing role of government and the significance of institutional capacities in shaping the abilities of governments to exert influence.
6. Be familiar with cross-cutting issues such as risk, science and the contestation of knowledge in environmental governance.
7. Have improved written communication skills.
8. Be more confident public speakers.
Syllabus
Part I: Core Concepts and Debates
1. Introduction and Overview
2. Global environmental governance
3. Multi-scale environmental governance
4. Theories of the policy process
Part II: Beyond the 'Controller' and Towards the 'Facilitator' or 'Enabler' State?
5. Policy instruments 1: Environmental regulations
6. Policy instruments 2: Market-based instruments
7. Policy instruments 3: Information-based and voluntary instruments
Part III: Cross-Cutting Issues and Future Directions
8. Community-driven 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 essay (30 hours)
- Preparation for exam (30 hours).
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Formative feedback provided during seminars starting in week 1.- Summative feedback will be provided for a 2,500 word essay.
- There will also be a written exam at the end of the term.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,500 | 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 30 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 websiteLast updated: 10/03/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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