2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5472M Environmental Policy and Governance

15 creditsClass Size: 175

Module manager: Dr James Van Alstine
Email: J.VanAlstine@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is not 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 changing modes of climate and 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 community governance and conservation, social justice, climate change and decarbonisation, and the politics of the anthropocene.
6. Have improved written, group and public communication skills.

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. Global environmental governance
6. Theories of the policy process
7. Non-governmental and community governance

Part III: Cross-Cutting Issues and Future Directions

8. Multi-scale environmental governance
9. Social justice and decarbonisation
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

Private study
- 6 hours reading per lecture/seminar (60 hours)
- Preparation for exam (60 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Practice exam questions and an exam prep workshop/seminar.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	48 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		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: 16/12/2022

Disclaimer

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