Workshop in Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability and Climate Change

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/S_WGEG

Course Objective

Learning outcomes: A. Knowledge and understanding
- The student has acquired knowledge and understanding of: (1) political science research in the area of Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability and Climate Change. B. Skills
- The student is able to: (2) critically evaluate research in the area of Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability and Climate Change; (3) design theory-guided research projects, alone or in working groups; (4) select and apply the appropriate methods and techniques of data collection and analysis to carry out research projects; (5) report on research for discussion; (6) work in small research teams. C. Attitude
- The student displays: (7) critical theoretical and normative reflection on research results.

Course Content

In this workshop, students learn about applying theory to practice to Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability and Climate Change from a political science perspective. The theory in the workshop is built around core evaluative concepts in governance such as effectiveness and legitimacy, and the empirical part centers on a number of social tipping points and corresponding social tipping intervention related to climate change. After an introduction into current debates in global change research, the first week focuses on drivers of environmental degradation, such as contemporary production and consumption practices, inadequate regulation of business and industry, globalization, and vulnerability (financial and otherwise). In week two, the focus is on international and transnational governance within the respective issue area, i.e. environmental regimes, international organizations, cities, companies, non-governmental organizations. Week three addresses the challenge of assessing effectiveness of global environmental governance practices, whereas in week four and five, we focus on the justice dimension of governance, particularly legitimacy, accountability and fairness. Finally, in week six, the broader question of interlinkages between issue areas, in particular between the environment and non-environmental domains, are addressed. After having studied and discussed the concept of the week, students work towards a short application to their policy field in groups, with a focus on presenting complex environmental issues to a broader audience (including policy-makers). Results will be presented in a student-take-over session each week and discussed with peers and the professors. The final research paper will be academic in focus and an individual assignment.

Teaching Methods

Seminars

Method of Assessment

Individual work, group work, and class participation.

Literature

To be announced in the course manual (see CANVAS).

Target Audience

Mandatory course for students in the specialisation Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability and Climate Change (GEGSCC). Also open as an elective course for students in the Master Environment and Resource Management and Exchange Students.

Entry Requirements

Participation in Selected Issues: Global Environmental Governance (S_SIGEG)