The intensification of the globalization process is a very contentious issue which has implications for politics, economics, culture, the environment and ethics. Analyses of some of the most important challenges facing human society exemplifies many themes established as 'core' to our degree in Climate Change and Society namely: inequality; justice; environmental sustainability; the links between ideology, policy and practice; and the contested nature of climate science. This module uses selected challenges to expose some bizarre anomalies in our contemporary global political and economic system. While affluent consumers enjoy a quality of life unprecedented in human history, millions of others continue to eke out a pitiful existence at the margins of society, in squatter settlements and refugee camps where access to basic amenities are minimal. Increased affluence has been based on the exploitation of the earth’s resources which is unsustainable.
We will explore a series of case studies from a human and physical perspective including water availability, biodiversity loss, the sustainability of the global food system, land degradation and meeting our energy needs. A UK field course will put some of these ideas into practice with a real environmental challenge – that of evaluating a new site for a water storage reservoir. This real-world learning will build a range of core competencies early in your training including: desk-based study, landscape evaluation, group work, project development, presentation skills, peer evaluation and field data collection.

Assessment 1 – fieldwork report (50%) An individual 1000-word report based on a UK field study site will be used to (i) introduce and engage students in a fieldwork-based challenge (ii) develop writing skills required at L4. Formative feedback will be provided through 1 2 1 and group discussion. Students will work in groups whilst on the field course to prepare a detailed project briefing concerning the siting of a new reservoir to tackle water shortages caused by climate change. They will present their draft proposals to their peers during the field visit and formative feedback provided. To assist students with organising this activity, a fieldwork report proforma will be used. Students will be prompted to complete different components of this throughout the module to scaffold their learning prior to the field visit, during it and afterwards. This will address LO (2,3,5).

Assessment 2 – essay (50%) A 1000 -word individual essay will form the final summative assessment. Students will be able to choose from a range of global / climate related issues presented during the course and will be required to research its characteristics, the nature of the global impact and potential mitigations to chart a sustainable future. (LOs 1,3,4 and 5).

The module will be delivered through a range of learning strategies combining some online “flipped classroom” theory delivery which will be made available beforehand, combined with face to face discussion sessions, fieldwork and seminars. Note that alternative virtual and desk-based activities will be made available for students unable to complete the field activities.

a) 12 x 2 hour classes (24 hours) will combine online lectures with F2F workshop exercises and be used to introduce theoretical concepts and to explore case studies.
b) 6 hours of tutorial support (6 hours) will be available to assist students with skill development, problems, writing issues.
c) 3-day UK field course (18 hours) will deliver a guided case study, project evaluation, group work.
d) Independent learning (70 hours) through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of a range of current global challenges at national and international scales.
e) Assessment Preparation (82 hours) for planning, researching and writing.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Understand the ideological nature of globalisation and the sustainability challenges it poses for communities in diverse contexts, from the local to the global.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding Application

Module Learning Outcome
2. Demonstrate desk-based research skills to underpin a field-based case study evaluation.

University Learning Outcome
Learning Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
3. Understand the contested nature of the challenges facing communities at various scales from the local to the global.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
4. Research a global issue of choice and be able to summarise its characteristics, impacts and offer potential mitigation strategies.

University Learning Outcome
Enquiry Analysis Communication

Module Learning Outcome
5. Express and communicate knowledge about a climate change issue clearly and concisely.

University Learning Outcome
Communication Reflection

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ core UN website
https://sdg-tracker.org/ UN Tracker Application and Mapping Tool
High quality VLE
High quality small group teaching space with usual audio-visual facilities
Library facilities both online and physical. Field course – UK based (Peak District)

Hite, K.A. and Seitz, J.L (2021) Global Issues 6th edition [Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell]
Harris, F. (2012) Global Environmental Issues 2nd Edition [Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell]
Middleton, N. (2018) The Global Casino: An Introduction to Environmental Issues 5th Edition [Abingdon: Routledge]

N/A

Many of the challenges facing humankind are complex: poverty, malnutrition, gender equality, decarbonisation, pollution. All require multi-discipline approaches. This module uses an exciting range of socio-economic and environmental topics such as water availability, biodiversity loss, food production, land degradation and energy to demonstrate how sustainable development can benefit both people and the planet. We explore one of these challenges (water) within the context of residential UK field course (3 days) where the practicalities associated with meeting global demand are discussed within a site setting. Students will work in groups to evaluate a landscape case study and present their findings to their peers.