Geographical perspectives on environmental issues
S Legg
6 points * 4 hours per week * First semester * Peninsula
The aim of this subject is to introduce students to a variety of approaches to understanding contemporary environmental issues. These approaches are taken from both the natural and social sciences, with the topics linked by a geographical framework. The subject begins with an historical context of environmental ideas and the human impact. It pursues some fundamental ecological and geographical concepts, and investigates a selection of the earth's major ecosystems. Resource development issues are investigated and the final section deals with political and legal aspects of environmental policy at a variety of scales. A range of interpretations of human environmental behaviour is highlighted. A booklet will be supplied to each student detailing all aspects of the subject, including references and assessment.
Assessment
Written (2500 words): 40% * Examinations (2 hours): 40% * Tutorial paper: 20%
Recommended texts
Goudie A The human impact - man's role in environmental change Blackwell, 1994
Myers N (ed.) The Gaia atlas of planet management Pan Books, 1985