This module introduces the study of the environment and environmental issues from social and ecological perspectives. The environment is examined as the product of interactions between physical ecosystems and human communities. It aims to demonstrate how this interaction has impacted at local, national and global levels with respect to quality of life and emerging global issues. In particular, five principal issues are examined ¿ resource depletion; climate change; ozone and the ozone layer; biodiversity; acid rain.

An ESSAY length 1250 words weighted at 50% A CLASS TEST length 1 HOUR weighted at 50%

1 x 1 hour class test of short questions (LOs 1,2)
Essay 1000-1250 words (LOs 3,4,5)

Students will be provided with formative assessment within tutorials and throughout the module in terms of reviewing essay plans; questioning; discussion of ideas and issues and group work.

The module will be delivered through a combination of :
1A) Strategy A (2 year accelerated part-time route): 2 days intensive workshops (14 hours) plus 8 week period of follow-up study of distance learning VLE activities (10 hours) plus guided work-based learning and academic enquiry.
OR
1B) Strategy B (3 year part-time mode):12 weekly 2 hour classes that will combine on a flexible basis, lectures with group discussion, workshop exercises

2) Independent learning through guided reading from core texts and internet materials about contemporary environmental issues at local, national and global levels. This will involve 35 hours for each assessment and 56 hours of directed independent learning.

Buckingham ,S. (2008) Understanding Environmental Issues, SAGE Publications Ltd.,London
Phillips, M. & Mighall, T. (2000) Society and Exploitation through Nature. Harlow, Prentice Hall.
Middleton, N. (2003) The Global Casino. London, Arnold. (3rd Edition)
UNEP (2002) Global Environment Outlook 3. Earthscan, London.

Teaching room with PC, LCP, Internet access. Access to Learning Resource Centre.