Course Catalogue

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In this course students will study how states and non-governmental actors seek to cooperate to address transboundary environmental problems. We begin by identifying the theoretical foundations of international cooperation and governance as well as the role that institutions, and non-state actors play in these political processes. Students will use this analytical toolkit to evaluate why some environmental problems can be governed effectively, while others cannot.

This course may not be running this year. For further information please check the Politics and IR Moodle page or contact the subject directly.

Standard entry requirements to Honours Politics or International Relations.

None

It is recommended that students do not take Global Energy Politics (POLITIC4168) at the same time as this course.

None

Participation, including in-class debate or role-playing exercise (10%)

Briefing, 1500 words (30%)

Essay, 3000 words (60%)

Adjustments and/or alternative modes of assessment will be available for students with disabilities that hinder attendance and/or public speaking.

In this course students will study how states and non-governmental actors seek to cooperate to address transboundary environmental problems. We begin by identifying the theoretical foundations of international cooperation and governance as well as the role that institutions, and non-state actors play in these political processes. Students will use this analytical toolkit to evaluate why some environmental problems can be governed effectively, while others cannot. Topics discussed in class include questions like: Why are climate politics so difficult? Do democracies have better environmental policies? Can international environmental agreements be effective? What role do firms and global markets play in environmental cooperation? All these topics are rooted in the most recent literature and, where applicable, linked to current policy debates.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

■ demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major theories of global environmental politics;

■ apply relevant concepts and theories to analyse the interaction between the political, economic, and institutional aspects of global environmental politics;

■ interpret a range of quantitative and qualitative research findings regarding pressing global environmental problems, such as climate change and a renewable energy transformation;

■ critically assess the different goals of global environmental policy and governance, and identify the key trade-offs involved in environmental policy-making;

■ evaluate the political and economic implications of adopting different environmental policy options;

■ advance reasoned and evidence-based arguments, both orally and in writing.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.