Lancaster University

LEC101 must be taken in combination with LEC102 and a minimum of 3 other LEC Part 1 modules appropriate to the student's degree scheme. Together these will comprise one Part 1 course (40 credits).

 To introduce all LEC major students to contemporary environmental issues and to the inherent complexities involved in researching, explaining and managing the environment. The module deliberately links themes from the physical, biological and social sciences to focus on key processes and problems in ways that are relevant to students on all LEC degree schemes. Whilst avoiding technical and theoretical details (these are dealt with in subject-based modules) the module avoids superficiality by placing emphasis on the complex interactions between key environmental and societal processes. Topical themes are taught at a variety of scales, with emphasis on linking the global and the local.

Through lectures and tutorials the module will teach students skills of critical thinking and will require them to understand and evaluate key contemporary environmental issues from a variety of perspectives. Tutorials will develop confidence in discussion and presentation of ideas, and assessment will develop skills in writing and argument.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

 

·         Identify and understand selected key environmental issues at a variety of spatial scales

·         Describe and explain the key environmental and social processes influencing these issues

·         Show an understanding of the connections between social, environmental and biotic processes and their implications for the environment

·         Discuss alternative scenarios and solutions for key environmental problems

·         Critically appraise the literature on a range of environmental issues

·         Write cogently and critically about key environmental problems and alternative solutions

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

 

One two hour exam taken in term 3. Section 1 to consist of short answer questions. Section two will require 2 longer essays.

The reading will vary from year to year in relation to the topics selected for coverage. Those listed below are illustrative of reading that can be used for selected topics.

 United Nations Environment Program (2006). Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: A synthesis report based on the findings of the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment. http://www.unep.org/pdf/Completev6_LR.pdf

UN Environment Program (2007) GEO4 report: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4.asp

 Naylor, Rosamond L. (1996) ‘Energy and resource constraints on intensive agricultural production’  Annual Review of Energy and the Environment 21: 99-123

Pretty, J. N.; Morison, J. I. L.; Hine, R. E. (2003), ‘Reducing food poverty by increasing agricultural sustainability in developing countries’, Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 95, 217-234.

Tilman, D.; Cassman, K. G.; Matson, P. A.; Naylor, R.; Polasky, S. (2002). ‘Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices’, Nature, 418, 671-677.

Huckle, J. and Martin, A. (2001) Environments in a changing world London: Prentice Hall.

IPCC web site and reports at http://www.ipcc.ch/

Bulkeley, H. and Betsill, M. (2003) Cities and climate change: urban sustainability and global environmental governance London: Routledge (available as e-book)

Sayer, A. (2008) ‘Geography and global warming: can capitalism be greened?’ Area 41(3), 350-353

Walker, G. and Bulkeley, H. (2006) ‘Geographies of environmental justice’ Geoforum 37 (5), 655-569

 

This module will be taken by almost all major Part 1 students studying in LEC (including natutral and combined science majors but excluding a very small number of students on the BA Human Geography or BSc Physical Geography degree schemes who opt for the 'single' Geography route only). Students are strongly advised not to do this.