GSC2209

Environmental sociology

Lyle Munro

8 points
* Equivalent to 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Gippsland and distance
* Prerequisites: GSC1201 and GSC1202 or equivalents

Objectives On successfully completing this subject students should be able to develop sociologically informed theoretical and conceptual frameworks for the analysis of contemporary environmental issues and apply these frameworks to a range of issues as well as consider the implications and uses of this analysis for contributing to the understanding of environmental issues and relevant public debate.

Synopsis This subject aims to introduce students to the ways in which sociological knowledge can be used to understand contemporary environmental issues. In order to achieve this, the subject has a dual focus - society and nature. First, it develops theoretical and conceptual knowledge drawn from traditional and contemporary sociological theory to provide analytical frameworks. Second, through the analysis of environmental issues, the subject seeks to apply these frameworks to specific local, national and international contexts. In doing so, it aims to build upon existing environmental and/or sociological knowledge and its continuing relevance. Social movement theory and protest movements in defence of nature and animal rights are among the topics to be studied.

Assessment Two assignments (2000 words each): 30% each
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Hannigan J Environmental sociology: A social constructionist perspective Routledge, 1995
Martell L Ecology and society: An introduction Polity, 1994
Yearly S The green case: A sociology of environmental issues arguments and politics Routledge, 1992