GY328 Half Unit
Political Ecology of Development
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Nora Sylvander STC 3.17
Availability
This course is available on the BA in Geography, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics and BSc in Geography with Economics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Course content
This course explores the complex relationships between development, poverty and the environment. It covers a range of important natural resource and environmental issues, and provides students with the necessary tools to critically evaluate how these issues have been addressed by different stakeholders and at different levels of governance. Using concepts and analytical tools grounded in political ecology and critical development studies, the course examines several topics, including: the politics of sustainable development; environmental governance and tenure; and critical resource issues.
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course takes place in Michaelmas Term only. It includes a reading week in Week 6.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce one formative essay plan in the Michaelmas Term.
Indicative reading
Li, T (2007), The Will to Improve, Durham: Duke University Press; Scott, J (1991) Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed, Yale University Press; West, P (2006) Conservation is Our Government Now: The Politics of Ecology in Papua New Guinea. Durham: Duke University Press.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the MT.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 48.1 |
| 2:1 | 25 |
| 2:2 | 22.2 |
| Third | 2.8 |
| Fail | 1.9 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Geography & Environment
Total students 2020/21: 35
Average class size 2020/21: 12
Capped 2020/21: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills
