The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development
| Module title | The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM222M |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor Duncan Russel (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This is an advanced postgraduate module in which you will examine the policy and governance problems of sustainable development. On this module you will study distinctive features of environmental policy problems such as the way they spill over jurisdictional borders and have long term consequences that can be difficult for political leaders to address. You will critically analyse the various interpretations of ‘sustainable development’ and their implications for policy choice. You will conduct in-depth analysis of sustainable development strategies and related environmental policy and reflect on the general lessons that can be learned from them.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide you as professional policy makers and public managers with an advanced introduction to the concept of sustainable development and the policy-making challenges presented by its various features. You will develop an understanding of the trade-off between environmental protection and economic development. The module aims to widen your understanding of environmental policy challenges by analysing problems in various national contexts. On completing this module you will have a firm grasp of the key debates in sustainable development and will be able to critically assess strategies to produce sustainable development.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of implementing sustainable development across different policy sectors and governance scales
- 2. Evaluate critically current practice of sustainable development implementation
- 3. Identify examples of sustainable development good practice and the policy lessons that can be drawn
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy
- 5. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic public policy literature
- 6. Systematically link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Intensively study in an independent and directed manner over in short time scales to produce work of a consistent high-quality standard
- 8. Communicate complex ideas and evidence in seminar presentations and workshop activities
- 9. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the order indicated:
- History and politicisation of sustainable development
- Challenges of implementing sustainable development across sectors and governance scales
- Critical policy issues:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Land use and planning
- Drawing lessons for implementing sustainable development
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 278 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 22 | 11 x two hour seminars |
| Guided independent study | 128 | Reading, thinking and preparing for lectures and workshops |
| Guided independent study | 150 | Assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 10 minutes | 1-9 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mock evidence submission to parliamentary enquiry | 35 | 3000 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
| Reflective learning log | 20 | 1000 words | 1-7, 9 | Written feedback |
| Coursework Essay | 45 | 3500 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mock evidence submission to parliamentary enquiry | Mock evidence submission to parliamentary enquiry(3000 words) | 1-7 | Next reassessment period |
| Reflective learning log | Reflective learning log (1000 words) | 1-7, 9 | Next reassessment period |
| Coursework Essay | Coursework Essay (3500 words) | 1-7 | Next reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Sanderson, H., Hildén, M., Russel, D.,Penha-Lopes, G. and Capriolo, A (eds)(2018) Adapting the Future for Climate Change in Europe. Elsevier: New York. Ch 6.
Turnpenny J, Russel DJ (2017). The Idea(s) of ‘Valuing Nature’: Insights from the UK’s Ecosystem Services Framework. Environmental Politics , 26 , 973-993
Connelly, J., Smith, G., Benson, D. & Saunders, C. (2012) Politics and the Environment. Routledge, Oxford. Ch 5.
Jordan (2008) The Governance of Sustainable Development: Taking Stock and Looking Forward. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 26, 17-33.
Jordan and Lenschow (eds) (2008) Innovation in Environmental Policy: Integrating the Environment for Sustainability. Edward Elgar.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) Eco-system and Human Well-Being: Policy Responses, Island Press.
Steurer, R. and Martinuzzi, A. 2005. Towards a new pattern of strategy formulation in the public sector: first experiences with national strategies for sustainable development in Europe. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 23 455-472.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
The module will be supported by ELE materials, including links to core texts
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2009 |
| Last revision date | 08/10/2020 |
