| CODE | IES5029 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Human-Environment Dynamics | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Earth Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This course focuses on the interactions of human and physical environments and is framed around the urgency of global challenges that arise from these interactions. Beginning with an examination of the origins of and implications for the perceived separation of humans and nature, the course employs case studies to scale resource identification and use, environmental and human vulnerability, and how these may impact technological designs and the potential for impact on human and natural systems. Discussions of sustainability include underrepresented and marginalized human communities. The analysis of political and economic power in globalized settings provides frameworks and tools related to environmental justice, social justice, and economic equity. Qualitative analytical skills are emphasized. Study-Unit Aims: The proposed course prepares students for professional careers by introducing qualitative methodologies and analytical frameworks critical to stakeholder work. In bringing these methods to bear on topics such as sustainability, environmental justice, equity, and decision-making, students will develop practical training needed for meaningful interactions with the public and those who manage natural, economic, and technical resources. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Articulate the impacts of the separation of human and environment in the context of contemporary issues from local to global scales; - Develop a working knowledge of the interdisciplinary orientation of human-environment dynamics; - Use social science theoretical frameworks, examine the roots of the separation of 鈥榟uman鈥� and 鈥榚nvironment鈥� in societies; - Relate social justice and gender issues to environmental concerns. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Investigate scaled interventions that promote sustainability and environmental justice; - Construct human-environment dynamics research designs using appropriate qualitative methodologies; - Apply and appraise a variety of qualitative research methodologies. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods for Social-Ecological Systems (Routledge Environment and Sustainability Handbooks). 2021. R. Biggs, A. deVos, R. Preiser, H. Clements, K. Maciejewski, M. Schluter Available Open Access (free) for on-line reading https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003021339/routledge-handbook-research-methods-social-ecological-systems-reinette-biggs-alta-de-vos-rika-preiser-hayley-clements-kristine-maciejewski-maja-schl%C3%BCter Political Ecology: A Critical Engagement with Global Environmental Issues, 2021 T. Benjaminson, H. Svarstad (Palgrave MacMillan) Environmental Justice in a Moment of Danger, 2020. J. Sze (University of California Press) Supplementary Readings: Supplementary articles will be provided by the instructors. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | ** Resits will be held during the period indicated by the partner institution responsible for the study-unit in accordance with the regulations applicable at the respective institution. | ||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Group Learning, Lectures and Project | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Carole Nash |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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