Sociology of the Environment and Risk (SY0034)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-SYENVIR

The main focus of the course is sociological perspectives on the relationship between human societies and their natural environments, which we explore via:

• discussion of ‘pessimistic and ‘optimistic’ views of that relationship
• sociological analyses of the rise of environmentalist and animal rights movements
• discussion of the relationship between gender and the environment
• analyses of the role played by science in environmental debates
• sociological analysis of ‘carbon markets’

There will also be sessions on the processes underpinning perceptions of risk, and what on the light that sociological analysis can throw on the extent of the proneness of technological systems to catastrophic accidents. Other relevant topics – such as Marxist perspectives on the environment and applying sociological analysis to ‘greening’ technology – will not be discussed in the lectures, but nevertheless can be explored in essays.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Sociology, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes being sought are that at the end of the course you will be familiar with and be able to discuss:

1. the factors affecting the development of ‘green’ movements, such as the movement against nuclear power, Green Parties and the animal rights movement;
2. the factors that shape public perception of risks;
3. how a sociological analysis can throw light on the extent of the proneness of technological systems to catastrophic accidents;
4. the inter-relations of population growth, development and the environment;
5. the debate with feminist theory about the relationship between gender and the environment;
6. how sociological analyses of science and of its public understanding can help us understand the role it plays in environmental matters;
7. the nature of carbon markets and the light that can be thrown on them by sociological analysis.