GV2NS-Nature, Society and Imaginaries of Degrowth

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Hilary Geoghegan
Email: h.geoghegan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will introduce the students to a variety of geographical approaches to understanding nature-society relations. It will consider key concepts, theoretical frameworks and practices relevant to the politics of nature and economic growth to critically evaluated interrelationships between socio-economic systems, environmental values and sustainable development, with a specific focus on the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Aims:

The module will equip students with the skills to identify, analyse and evaluate i) problems associated with contemporary societies and understandings of nature ii) the environmental and social issues generated by modern economies and ii) alternative models for the sustainable pursuit of social prosperity in the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:

• Define and critically discuss nature-society relations and implications for environmental thought and action.


• Define and describe the key interrelationships between socio-economic systems and the environment


• Analyse the interplay of technology, affluence and population as determinants of environmental impact.


• Assess the presence of the different perspectives and values in the economic and public discourses


• Define and critically discuss alternative models of de-growth and post-growth societies

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of skills of critical reading and the presentation of arguments. This will be achieved principally through the lecture material, group discussion, and by students' carrying out the reading and discussions linked to each topic.

Outline content:

Humanity’s relationships with nature, the state of the natural environment and the need for socio-economic development are currently major concerns. Historically, the pursuit of social well-being through economic growth has been closely tied to increasing production and consumption levels which have resulted in several environmental problems (e.g. depletion of natural resources, climate change). However, it has become apparent that economic growth is only limitedly associated with social prosperity. Consequently, environmental action, and the pursuit of ‘sustainability’, have become a vital part of local, national and international agendas and different models of development and of structuring the relationship between economic and social systems and the environment have been increasingly proposed. These alternative models emphasise different relationships between nature and society and advocate socio-technical changes at different levels, including behavioural (e.g. consumption patterns), institutional (e.g. social norms and values), and technical change. The module will discuss key concepts and a range of theoretical approaches and practices to addressing these issues. With close attention to the climate and biodiversity crisis, some of the topics covered by this module include nature-society relations, prosperity and wellbeing, environmental values and justice, nature conservation, sustainability, de-growth, and responses to climate change.

Global context:

The climate and biodiversity crisis is a global challenge that requires an understanding of the historical and contemporary relationship between nature and society and the ways in which it must change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through a mix of lecture, group work, discussion and debates.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	100
Preparation for seminars	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Essay preparation	40
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework (100%) consisting of:

1. a 1000 word annotated photo essay (25%), and


2. a 3000 word essay (75%)

Formative assessment methods:

Every week there will be a group seminar in which the students will explore the ideas discussed in the lectures in more depth. These sessions will be used to guide students through their learning, encourage critical thinking, help them develop presentational skills and techniques, and provide formative feedback. Students will submit an essay plan for formative feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be via alternative assessment in late August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022