Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3095: Environmental Knowledge Controversies

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module provides an applied introduction to environmental policy conflicts and state-of-the-art ideas for their resolution. In taking a close look at the scientific evidence base on conflictual environmental policy issues, you will come to understand how science is a socially constructed endeavour. You will be able to understand the challenges of producing consensual policy on issues that have a disputed evidence base, and which consequently polarise society.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the role of science in the governance of environmental issues 2. understand, evaluate and critically apply a range of concepts and theories on the science-policy nexus to the governance of environmental issues 3. identify and evaluate different methods for reconciling democracy with expertise, and critically assess their contribution
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. find, read, use and critically analyse secondary data relevant to specific issue areas 5. construct rigorous political arguments
Personal and Key Skills	6. demonstrate in-depth understanding of the processes through which knowledge is socially constructed. 7. work independently to produce coursework to deadlines 8. communicate effectively and to evaluate critically in your written and oral work 9. work in a small team to plan and execute a mock citizen conference

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Part one: Key concepts and frameworks

Scientific paradigms

Social constructionism

The sociology of science

The science-policy nexus

Part two: Applied case studies (possible examples are given, below)

Climate change

Bees and neo-nicotinoids

Bovine tuberculosis and badger culling

Street lighting

Part three: Beyond the tension

Citizens as experts – from citizen science to lay expertise

Citizen juries and consultations

Participatory inquiry and science shops

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
24	126	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity	24	12 x 2 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study	35	3.5 hours preparing for each seminar (from Week 2 onwards = 10 seminars)
Guided Independent Study	31	Preparing materials for a simulated citizen conference on an environmental policy issue; and formulating an outcome to present back to the class a week later
Guided Independent Study	40	Preparing essay
Guided Independent Study	20	Reflective diary

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).