Postgraduate - UnitAPG5428 - Environmental governance and citizenship

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Notes

Synopsis

This unit explores social and institutional frameworks for environmental governance. It considers the role, structure and processes of government, market and civil society in relation to the environment and sustainability agenda. The emphasis is on exploring the nature of contemporary environmental governance, evaluating the assumptions on which it is based, and taking a critically informed view of its strengths and limitations. We will feature case studies e.g. waste management, climate change, water management, where multiple agencies and organisations work within a complex environmental system to implement a range of interesting and innovative approaches to environmental governance.

Outcomes

Students successfully completing this unit will be expected to demonstrate:

1. An appreciation of the theoretical understandings of the shift from government to governance in respect of the environment and sustainability.
2. An understanding of the role of government, markets and civil society in relation to the environment and sustainability.
3. Familiarity with the mechanisms of command-and-control regulation, the use of market mechanisms, citizen empowerment and community participation.
4. A critical awareness of the issues surrounding contemporary forms and styles of environmental governance.
5. Familiarity with the principles and practice of citizen advocacy.

Assessment

Essay (1500 words): 30%
Tutorial participation and facilitation: 20%
Research paper (3000 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Ruth Lane

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week