This 20 credit course introduces the philosophical, social, political and scientific issues of environmental ethics, environmental policy, technological choice, and the relationship between these and business ethics and behaviour change. The intention is to provide essential background for an environmentally-oriented discipline; to sensitise students to the ethical dimensions of their subject and its professional practice; and, not least, to enable them to justify to their eventual colleagues and clients the importance and appropriateness of their activities. The course presumes no prior exposure to ethical questions.

Mondays 10.00-12.00 (Glasgow)

Fridays 10.00-12.00 (Dumfries)

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Summative Assessment

1. 3 Moodle assignments (including an essay plan): 20%

2. Group presentation: 20%

3. 2500-3000 word essay: 60%

Group presentation cannot be repeated.

1. To provide an introduction to foundational principles of environmental ethics, and the theory and practice of environmental behaviour change.

2. To develop abilities in identifying ethical dimensions in occupational and professional contexts relevant to environmentally related professions.

3. To improve skills in assessing ethical quandaries arising from the application of environmental technologies, and solving these using ethically appropriate communication and behaviour change strategies and tactics.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the organising principles of major ethical and behaviour change theories.

2. Identify the ethical dimensions associated with environmentally related professions.

3. Critically apply ethical and behaviour change theories in order to solve environmental dilemmas.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment and attend 75% of class meetings.