Rational Choice and Environmental Problems
| Module title | Rational Choice and Environmental Problems |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL1042 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Lorien Jasny (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
Recent human activity is causing unprecedented stress on the natural environment. This module examines the intersection between individual choice and contemporary environmental issues through the lenses of rational choice theory. Rational choice theory, simply stated, combines concepts of self-interest (broadly defined), individual preferences, and rationality to rigorously understand human behaviour. You will explore the promises and pitfalls of using rational choice theory to understand key elements of environmental politics and policy, from the social causes of environmental problems to the decision to cooperate on global environmental issues. You will be introduced to core theoretical concepts in lecture and then see these concepts in action through a series of in-class exercises and simulations. This module will also provide you with a practical tool for evaluating strategic situations by introducing you to the basics of game theory. There are no pre-requisites for this module and no prior knowledge of environmental issues, rational choice theory, or game theory is required.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module has three primary aims. The first aim is introduce you to rational choice theory in the context of contemporary environmental issues. You will learn to use the main tenets of rational choice theory to gain insight into the causes of environmental problems and, importantly, to evaluate potential solutions to these problems. You will also learn to critically evaluate the rational choice perspective, carefully assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the approach when applied to environmental issues. The second aim is to provide you with a gentle introduction to game theory. As you will see, game theory provides a useful way to understand the predications of rational choice theory, while also providing an effective tool for evaluating strategic situations. The third and final aim is for you to gain in-depth knowledge of an environmental issue of your choice. Here, you will be expected write an essay on an environmental problem that interests you, while applying the concepts and tools discussed in class.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. apply rational choice theory to understand and evaluate environmental problems
- 2. summarize and critique rational choice theorys proposed solutions to environmental challenges
- 3. demonstrate knowledge of key contemporary environmental problems
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. describe the history and key assumptions of rational choice theory
- 5. critically evaluate topics such as social dilemmas, collective action issues, and externalities
- 6. demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which formal and informal institutions promote behaviour that is better than rational
- 7. isolate and evaluate the limitations of rational choice theory as a model for understanding politics
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. apply basic game theoretic tools to strategically evaluate situations
- 9. demonstrate basic knowledge of cost-benefit analysis, discounting, and time-horizons
- 10. demonstrate oral and written communication skills
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Human behaviour and contemporary environmental problems
- Rational choice as a “model” for human behaviour
- A gentle introduction to game theory (and why it’s useful)
- Environmental issues, complexity, and models of bounded rationality
- Social dilemmas and "the tragedy of the commons"
- Externalities as a basis for environmental policy
- Rationality, environmental activism, and political behaviour
- Rational choice and global environmental politics
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 18 | 12 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided independent study | 122 | Reading, preparation for in-class simulations, exam preparation, basic game theory tutorials, and essay preparation. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion in lecture and simulations | Throughout scheduled learning and teaching activities | 1-10 | Verbal |
| Position brief (group) | 1,000 | 3,5,10 | Written |
| MEA simulation debrief (individual) | 500 | 1-3, 5-8, 10 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 2,000 words | 1-10 | Written |
| Examination | 50 | 1 hour | 1-10 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2,000 words) | 1-10 | August/September assessment period |
| Examination | 1 hour examination | 1-10 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Kenneth A. Shepsle (2010). Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions, 2nd Edition. (New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.)
Elinor Ostrom (1990). Governing the Commons: The evolution of institutions and collective action. (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press)
Avinash K. Dixit, David H. Reiley, Jr., Susan Skeath (2009). Games of Strategy. (New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.)
James Connelly, Graham Smith, David Benson, Clare Saunders (2012). Politics and the Environment: From Theory to Practice, 3rd Edition. (New York, NY: Taylor & Francis)
Nick Hanley, Jason F. Shogren, and Ben White (2001). Introduction to Environmental Economics. (New York, NY: Oxford University Press)
United Nations Environment Programme (2012). Global Environmental Outlook: Environment for the future we want. (Valletta, Malta: Progress Press Ltd.)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2013). Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Summary for Policy Makers & Chapter 1. (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 25/02/2014 |
| Last revision date | 30/07/2014 |