Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2126: Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

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

Module Aims

The module aims to introduce you to the concept and development of environmental policy in light of the recent economic crisis, Brexit and COVID-19. In so doing, it will encourage you to consider: the environment as a policy problem; the evolution of EU and British environmental policy, the ‘leaders’ and ‘laggards’ in environmental policy; the opportunities, challenges, and impacts derived from the economic crisis, Brexit, and Covid-19; and the investigation of some case studies. 

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 Skills1. demonstrate an understanding of core concepts in environmental policy.
2. summarize and apply key empirical data relating to environmental policy.
3. describe and summarize key issues in European and UK environmental policy.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. apply abstract theoretical ideas and concepts to actual events and outcomes.
5. construct well-structured rigorous arguments that are based on logical deduction.
6. evaluate the effectiveness of and barriers to policy interventions.
Personal and Key Skills7. communicate effectively in writing.
8. work effectively to a deadline.
9. reflect on?your own process of learning.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

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

  • The environment as a policy problem 

  • EU Environmental Policy 

  • British Environmental policy  

  • Environmental Leaders and Laggards 

  • EU Economic crisis and environmental policy  

  • Policy windows of opportunities or policy dismantling 

  • Brexit and Environmental policy 

  • Case Study 1: Agriculture post Brexit 

  • Case Study 2: Climate Change post Brexit 

  • COVID-19 and the environment

Learning and Teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
22128

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activity 2211 x 2-hour (1 hour Lecture + 1 hour Seminar)
Guided independent study 50Private study – reading and preparing for lecture and seminar
Guided independent study 78Preparation for essays – including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing up the essay

Online Resources

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