Nature-Society Geographies (U03305)

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

The global scale and complexity of current environmental issues has prompted a number of critiques of mainstream environmentalism. This course explores a range of different theoretical approaches to nature-society issues within Geography and related disciplines including: political and cultural ecology, environmental justice, social nature(s), animal geographies, environmental ethics and environmental feminisms. These issues will be examined through a number of environmental issues including: industrial pollution, agriculture, population, National Parks and Wilderness, animal rights and common pool resources among others. The ways in which environmental problems intersect with issues of social justice are a central focus of this course. In addition, the manner in which theory shapes our understanding of what counts as environmental issues will be emphasized.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
24/09/2007	14:00	15:50	Room 2.19, Old Infirmary (Geography)	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- To introduce students to current theoretical debates on the relationships between nature and society;
- to critical examine mainstream environmentalism in a global context;
- to explore the intersections of environmental issues with the social construction of difference including gender, race, class and caste;
- to examine the relationships between socio-economic development and environmental change;
- to understand the importance of theory in shaping human relationships with the environment.

Assessment Information

Class Assessment: As specified in the course handbook.

Degree Assessment: One annotated bibliography (1,000 words) 20%, one 1,000 word essay 20% AND One two-hour examination (2 questions) 60%