Frontiers in Human Geography 2 (U02528)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-3-HFRONT2

This course examines issues related to two important modes of human valuing of nature, the ethical and the aesthetic. The first part of the course covers key concepts and theories in environmental ethics including: anthropocentrism and nonanthropocentrism; animal ethics; Leopold's land ethic; deep ecology; and recent attempts to develop an urban environmental ethic. In the second part, we examine aesthetic and landscape values in our engagement with wild nature, rural environments and other cultural landscapes. The course concludes with a look at conflicts between aesthetic, ethical and other values as they arise in environmental conservation and policy, including cases of ecological restoration. Case studies are used throughout the course to reflect on how values are embodied in practice.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- to provide a critical understanding of key concepts and theories in environmental ethics
- to explore aesthetic valuing of 'wild' environments as well as environments modified by humans
- to consider the role of values in engagement with a range of environments and to examine conflicts between values in conservation and policy-making

Assessment Information

Class assessment: One class essay (2,000 words); One portfolio summarising and critiquing tutorial readings
Degree assessment: One two-hour examination (60%)
One 2,000 word essay (40%)