University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Wed 10am-1pm

We live in a time when human activities have profoundly altered the composition of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the geology upon which we live. Yet, at the very moment that humanity has arguably become the most powerful geological force on Earth, anthropogenic changes threaten the very conditions that sustain us. This course offers an introduction to political ecology - the study of the relationships and interactions between political-economic structures and ecological systems - and asks what it might teach us about the current climatic and ecological crises. We begin by considering how ontological and epistemological conceptions of nature are entangled in these crises. Next, we examine how logics of capitalism, the state, race, gender, and colonialism structure the environments we inhabit. We then explore how these environments are also co-produced by the non-human world. Finally, we ask what actions must be taken to ensure just and abundant planetary futures.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass GG2011 and pass GG2012 or pass SD2001 and pass SD2002 or pass GG2013 and pass GG2014 and pass SD2100 or pass SD2005 and pass SD2006 and pass SD2100

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you pass SD4115 or take SD4115

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: We will meet as a class for three hours each week. Approximately one hour of this time will be a lecture. Approximately two hours will be seminars consisting of class discussions, small group discussions, watching films, academic skills workshops, or other activities.

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 264

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% Coursework


Re-assessment: 100% Coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M P Simpson
Module teaching staff: Dr Michael Simpson
Module coordinator email mps21@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Display a broad understanding of the field of political ecology;
• Apply tools to critically appraise historical and contemporary conceptualizations of nature and demonstrate how these conceptualizations are mobilized politically;
• Identify how natural environments are produced by social, cultural, political, and economic processes and structures;
• Offer insights into how environments and concepts of nature intersect with race, class, gender, sexuality, and colonialism.