Contemporary Environmental Challenges

Module code: GY3411

As a society, we are facing a range of critical environmental challenges. This module builds on what you have studied previously to enable you, to not only to analyse these complex challenges and their interlinkages, but also to introduce you to a range of radical solutions to critique. You'll focus on debates around ‘commons’, on aspects and practices of transition (including energy, food and housing) and on ways of valuing and conserving nature.

This means exploring these themes both through reference to ongoing academic research, from within our own School and beyond, and through a range practical examples and case studies. The latter will include local field visits and engagement with local activists and practitioners. Through this module you'll be challenged to think about possible environmental futures, and the challenges of realising them.

Topics covered

• ‘Commons’ and enclosures
• Energy transitions
• The Transition Movement
• Housing and food transitions
• Environmental Values
• Convivial conservation