Green political theory
Robyn Eckersley
12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students are expected to be familiar with the distinctive claims of green political theory, particularly the green critique of the domination of nature. Students will also be expected to recognise and analyse critically some of the key debates within green political theory; identify some of the major continuities and discontinuities between green political theory and a selection of other traditions of modern and postmodern political thought; and, more generally, demonstrate an awareness of the variety of philosophical and cultural assumptions embedded in different political theories concerning how we regard, construct, value and seek to `manage' the rest of nature.
Synopsis This subject provides a critical examination of the distinctive contribution of green political theory to political thought. Part I critically explores the green critique of the domination of nature (especially the critique of anthropocentrism) as well as the green analyses of the social, technological and economic conditions that have contributed to the current ecological predicament. In Part II, the focus turns to the more general ecological challenges to political theory, political organisation, democracy and the state in an increasingly interdependent world. This will include an examination of the major continuities and discontinuities between green political theory and a selection of other traditions of modern and postmodern political thought. Particular attention will be devoted to ecological revisions that have been made to liberalism, socialism and feminism.
Assessment Essay (6000 words): 50%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%
Prescribed text
Eckersley R Environmentalism and political theory SUNY Press, 1992
Recommended texts
Dobson A and Lucardi P (eds) The politics of nature: Explorations in green political theory Routledge, 1993
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