SOC20360 Sociology of the Environment

Academic Year 2022/2023

In this module you will be introduced to environmental sociology with a focus on the interactions between human societies and the natural environment. By focussing on this two-way interaction, the module will examine key theoretical perspectives, debates, and issues within environmental sociology. The module considers interdisciplinary perspectives examining a range of topics such as climate change, human impact on the environment, sustainability, social acceptance of renewable and alternative resources, individual consumption, food, water, pollution and transformation to ‘green societies’. These issues are examined at multiple levels, including rural and urban, local, and global, and from different perspectives of key stakeholders. The overall aim of this module is to provide an overview of key debates within environmental sociology and to examine contemporary environmental issues from a sociological perspective.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1) Acquire an understanding of the interaction between society and the natural environment and key debates and issues in environmental sociology;
2) Explain the topic of ‘environment’ and related topics from a sociological perspective, taking into consideration a variety of contexts and perspectives;
3) Reflect on and critically analyse key debates and issues in environmental sociology.

Indicative Module Content:


Indicative Topics:
Environmental Inequality
Pollution
Energy
Food
Consumption
Plastic
Sustainable Development
Public Attitudes
Environment and Health
Climate Change
Climate Change Denial
Green Crime
Environmental Social Movements
Theoretical Frameworks and Environmental Policy
Green and Low-carbon Societies






Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Autonomous Student Learning

101

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; task-based learning; continuous assessment to assess student progress; group work; class debates and discussions; essay writing.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Group project Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ based on lecture content Week 4 n/a Graded No

15

Essay: 1,500 word Essay Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

45


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.