Sustainability & Policy Processes (930M9)
Sustainability and Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health
Module 930M9
Module details for 2023/24.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
Sustainability and Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health provides an in-
depth analysis of the relationship between knowledge, power, science, and policy processes. The
module has two tracks. Track 1 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 Track 2, small
teams of 'consultants' identify and select an urgent science-policy issue in sustainable 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'.
Full Module Description
Sustainability and Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health provides an in-
depth analysis of the relationship between knowledge, power, science, and policy processes. The
module has two tracks. Track 1 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 Track 2, small
teams of 'consultants' identify and select an urgent science-policy issue in sustainable 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)
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Group written submission | T2 Week 11 | 30.00% |
| Essay | A2 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.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Class | 4 hours | 111111111110 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Miss Lisa Ross
Assess convenor
/profiles/230595
Miss Lucia Mack
Assess convenor
/profiles/497821
Ms Julia Brown
Assess convenor
/profiles/9033
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