Course Syllabus

 Credit: Claire Wasson

Course Overview

This course  focuses on the ‘untold’ story of environmental degradation – especially in the Global South – looking at how the destruction brought on by climate change and irresponsible development takes place gradually and is often hidden from view.

The aim of this course is to analyze the root of the environmental consequences of human activity. This course will use tools and concepts such as Environmental Impact Assessments,  Ecocide, Environmental Justice and focus on the root causes of this degradation from a cultural, social and historical perspective, including expectations of progress, development, economic growth, international free trade and human technological emancipation in Western societies.

• We will examine the broad conditions that shape why there are disproportionate burdens and risks to the environment and to society.
• We will discuss the civilization paradigms, ideologies, and perceptions that humans have constructed that have led to the current environmental crisis.
• We will also explore the nexus of human rights and the environment, participation processes and decision-making.
• We will use a variety of case studies from around the world, learning about existing transnational and local activism, and studying a broad range of community responses.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Think critically about the multiple ways that social background, race, class, ethnicity, and gender affect one’s experience of and responses to environmental problems.

• Analyze and understand the complexity of how cultural beliefs and values shape our experience, understanding, and responses to the environment.

• Develop critical awareness of the dynamics and challenges of economic and social transformation from an environmental perspective.

• Reflect on theoretical perspectives on the causes and consequences of unequal exposure to environmental risk.

• Think critically about your own role in the larger picture, by assuming the perspective of others, and discovering different world-views and lived experiences.

Grading

A mid term mind map /essay will count for 40%, a final semester long case study group work/ presentation will count for 30% and overall participation where study visit reports and group mind maps will be included will count for 30%.

Faculty

Cand.techn.soc. (Environmental, Technological & Socio-Economic Planning, Roskilde University, 2009). B.A. (International Relations; International Environmental Regimes and National Security, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 2004).  Worked extensively on environmental and sustainability related projects, campaigns and conferences for more than 12 years with a variety of grassroots organizations. External advisor for Mexican political parties, government agencies and for members of congress. Involved at the UN WSSD and CSD process as a civil society representative for more than 5 years. Worked during the COP15 process with Friends of the Earth Denmark as project coordinator for the Flood for Climate Justice. With DIS since 2011.

Field studies:

Approach to Teaching

Students will develop mind maps as graded assignments. Students will work in groups for encouraging discussions based on readings and individual research. There will be a limited amount of lectures. Discussions and mind map development will take place during the first hour, the last 20 minutes of class will be for questions.

Expectations of the Students

• Active and voluntary participation in class discussions

• Having prepared properly for every class, i.e. doing all the required reading and research

• Being able to address the readings critically during class, thus displaying a good understanding of the subject matter

• Being analytical and concise in oral interventions, i.e. backing up arguments by facts and references rather than “feeling this or that” – Please note that monopolizing the floor with fluffy, unstructured and redundant monologues will NOT be seen as a positive contribution.

• Being able to collaborate well with your assigned group

Evaluation

In-class participation will be graded according to individuals being present and on-time (excepting cases of reasonable absence such as illness, with notice). All course meetings (classes + field study trips) are included in this assessment.  A lack of notification of absence results in a half-grade deduction from your total final grade. After two 'excused' absences, academic affairs and/or a doctors must be involved.

Readings

• Sunderlin, William D. Ideology, Social Theory, and the Environment. Oxford: Rowman & Littlefild,  2003.
• The following selected readings will be provided online:
• Dryzek, John. The Politics of the Anthropocene. Oxford 2019.
• Suárez-Krabbe, Julia. Race, Rights and Rebels. Oxford: Rowman & Littlefield,  2016.
• Latouche, Serge. Farewell to Growth. Polity Press,  2009.
• Catton, William R. Overshooot, The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change. Illinois Press, 1980.
• Dryzek, John. The Politics of the Anthropocene. Oxford 2019.
• Mann. Charles. The Wizard and the Prophet- Science and the Future of Our Planet.
• Tabachnick, David E. The Great Reversal,  University of Toronto Press 2013.
• Hickel, Jason. Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World, Penguin books, 2001

   Online Resources: to collect news, stories

http://www.ejolt.org/maps/ : World mapping of environmental crisis (project)

http://eia-global.org/ Environmental Investigation Agency. investigation of environmental crimes: many case studies

Academic Regulations

Late Papers: All papers are due to me by email before the start of class on the day that they are assigned. Late papers will be graded down by one letter grade, while papers that are more than one day late will not be accepted.

Computers and cell phones: Due to the tendency to distract and impact the atmosphere of the classroom, use of phones is not allowed. Laptop computers / tablets are tolerated for note-taking.

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Attendance
• Coursework, Exams, and Final Grade Reports

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org