Module LAW2152 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
LAW2152: Environmental Law
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The main aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the key theories, concepts and issues in environmental law and policy, as well as support you in generating new research and ideas in this field. It will therefore offer an overview of basic environmental law principles by considering national and European legal responses to managing global commons, the history of the development of environmental law, and the values and principles that have shaped this newly evolving discipline. The module provides you with an understanding of the contemporary theory, critical issues in, and perspectives on, environmental regulation and policy. It also aims to provide you with a sound grasp of cutting-edge debates surrounding global environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to air pollution and the climate emergency.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate knowledge of the law relating to environmental law and policy, including the major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application; 2. demonstrate critical awareness of a range of social and contextual implications of the areas of environmental law studied; 3. compare, analyse and synthesise the principal rules and theories relating to environmental law and policy; 4. identify, explain and critically evaluate key issues in environmental law and policy, applying relevant rules and theories; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 5. demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts and their wider contextual/social/political implications; 6. select, integrate and present, coherently and reflectively, relevant law, social and environmental justice theory arguments; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately, in a manner appropriate to the discipline/different contexts; 8. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of resources with minimum guidance; and 9. work independently and manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities and assessments. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
While the module’s precise content and syllabus may vary each year, it is anticipated that it will cover the following topics:
Foundations of Environmental Law
- Values, Principles and Concepts
- Sources and Institutions
- Regulation, Compliance and Enforcement
- Public Participation and the Aarhus Convention
Critical Perspectives in Environmental Law
- Nature Conservation Law
- Environmental Rights
- Air Pollution Regulation
- Climate Law, Policy & Justice
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 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 activities | 22 | 11 x 2 hour lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 4.5 | 3 x 1.5 hour workshops |
| Guided independent study | 54 | General reading for the module |
| Guided independent study | 27 | Workshop preparation |
| Guided independent study | 42.5 | Assessment preparation |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Other Learning Resources
N. Gunningham, ‘Enforcing Environmental Regulation’ (2011) Journal of Environmental Law 23 (2): 169-201
S. Humphreys, ‘Competing claims: human rights and climate harms’ in Humphreys (Ed.), Human Rights and Climate Change (Cambridge University Press, 2010) Chapter 1 p37-66.
M. Lee and C, Abbot, ‘The usual suspects? Public participation under the Aarhus Convention’ (2003) 66 Modern Law Review 80- 108.
L. Rajamani, ‘The 2015 Paris Agreement: Interplay Between Hard, Soft and Non-Obligations’ (2016) 28 Journal of Environmental Law 337–358.
C. Reid and W. Nsoh, 'The Privatisation of Biodiversity?' (Edward Elgar, 2016) Chapter 9: Reflections pp.253-260.
A. Venn ‘Social Justice and Climate Change’ in T. M. Letcher (Ed.) Managing Global Warming: An interface between technology and human issues (Elsevier, 2018) Chapter 24 pp.711-723.
Yamineva and Romppanen, ‘Is law failing to address air pollution? Reflections on international and EU developments’ (2017) RECIEL, 26(3) 189-200.
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Bell and McGillivray and Pedersen, Environmental Law (OUP latest edn)
