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Environmental Knowledge Controversies

Module description

Environmental issues are a particular kind of policy issue. They are often transboundary, transmutable and difficult to solve. In other words, they are ‘wicked’. In this module we focus on contemporary wicked environmental policy issues and think about ways forward for their governance within the context of a maze of contradictory scientific evidence. We explore social theories about the nature of scientific knowledge and knowing, and the ways in which knowledge is transferred into policy. Given the difficulty of reconciling science and democracy, we also discuss solutions for effectively moving from contradictory scientific positions towards a more consensual policy position and practice. This includes consideration of the role of experts in democracy and critiquing the idea of post-truth politics. These ideas are explored through close interrogation of global, national and local environmental issues such as climate change, pesticides and bees, badger culling and street lighting.

No prior knowledge, skills or experience are required to take this module and it is suitable for specialist and non-specialist students. This course serves as a complement to The Public Policy Process.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module provides an applied introduction to environmental policy conflicts and state-of-the-art ideas for their resolution. In taking a close look at the scientific evidence base on conflictual environmental policy issues, you will come to understand how science is a socially constructed endeavour. You will be able to understand the challenges of producing consensual policy on issues that have a disputed evidence base, and which consequently polarise society.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the role of science in the governance of environmental issues;
• 2. understand, evaluate and critically apply a range of concepts and theories on the science-policy nexus to the governance of environmental issues;
• 3. identify and evaluate different methods for reconciling democracy with expertise, and critically assess their contribution.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. find, read, use and critically analyse secondary data relevant to specific issue areas;
• 5. construct rigorous political arguments.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. demonstrate in-depth understanding of the processes through which knowledge is socially constructed;
• 7. work independently to produce coursework to deadlines;
• 8. respond to a range of views and devise a deliberative strategy to achieve consensus;
• 9. ability to critically assess and synthesize the diversity of knowledge produced around an environmental controversy.

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:

Part One: Key Concepts and Frameworks

• Scientific paradigms
• Social constructionism
• The sociology of science
• The science-policy nexus

Part Two: Applied Case Studies (possible examples are given, below)

• Climate change
• Bees and neo-nicotinoids
• Biodiversity/conservation
• Land use disputes

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Collins, F. and R. Evans (2007) Rethinking Expertise, University of Chicago Press.

David, M. (2005) Science in Society, Palgrave Macmillan.

Fischer, F. (2000) Citizens, Experts and the Environment: The Politics of Local Knowledge, Duke University Press. Hannigan, J. (1995) Environmental Sociology: A Social Constructionist Perspective, Routledge

Jasonoff, S. Ad Kim, S (eds) (2015) Dreamscapes of Modernity: Sociotechnical Imaginaries and the Fabrication of Power, University of Chicago.

Lash, S., B. Szerszynski and B. Wynne (eds) Risk, Environment and Modernity: Towards a New Ecology, London: Sage. Pettenger, M. (ed) (2013) The Social Construction of Climate Change, Routledge

Schacker, M. (2008) A Spring Without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply, The Lyons Press.

Key words search

Environmental politics, environmental policy, environmental knowledge, social construction