PLT4709

Green political theory

Robyn Eckersley

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second 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 one 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 two, 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%

Recommended texts

Eckersley R Environmentalism and political theory SUNY Press, 1992
Dobson A Green political thought 2nd edn., Routledge, 1995
Hayward K Ecological thought: an introduction Polity, 1994