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School of Global Studies

Sustainability & Policy Processes (930M9)

Sustainability and Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health

Module 930M9

Module details for 2022/23.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

Sustainability & Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between knowledge, power, science and policy processes. The first part of the module examines the historical and philosophical roots of key science policy debates in the agriculture, health, water and environment arenas. Using a case study approach the focus is on understanding the dynamic interrelationships between local contexts and wider national and international policy processes influencing livelihood and sustainability outcomes. In the second part small teams of 'consultants' are assigned an urgent science policy issue in development to investigate. Each team conducts (rapid) desk-based research and prepares a short consultancy report, complete with technical findings and policy recommendations, which they defend before a panel of expert 'decision makers'.

Module learning outcomes

Critically engage with the main theories, concepts & debates relating to science, sustainability and policy processes in the fields of agriculture, environment & health

Critically assess policy narratives, actors, networks, politics & interests and develop appropriate policy in the fields of agriculture, environment & health

Critically evaluate the appropriateness of research & analytical methods in different contexts for analysing policy processes and their implications for sustainability & development

Collaborate effectively with international development professionals from diverse backgrounds to address complex science policy & sustainability issues

Effectively use professional skills (including IT; information search and retrieval; interpretation of complex and conflicting arguments and information; writing for academic and policy audiences; and individual and group presentation skills)

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Group written submissionT2 Week 11 30.00%
EssayA2 Week 3 70.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterClass4 hours111111111110

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Miss Lucia Mack

Assess convenor
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Ms Julia Brown

Assess convenor
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Miss Lisa Ross

Assess convenor
/profiles/230595

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