Overview

Policy and the environment. Reasons for and against government intervention. Basic concepts of government, sovereignty, politics, democracy. General features of political systems and governments in the UK and internationally. The role of diverse actors in the policy process: including politicians and parliaments, governments, bureaucracies and agencies, NGOs, media, interest groups and supranational bodies. Theories of politics and policy-making, including international relations. Efficacy, efficiency and equity of environmental policy.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+Examination answers Clearly summarise information given during the module (including directed reading) and apply it in a way that is relevant to the question. Display a basic understanding of the issues involved.AssessmentClearly summarise (and cite sources for) information relevant to the chosen policy area and apply it in a way that is relevant to the question. Display a basic understanding of the issues involved.

-good -Grade C- to B+Examination answersClearly summarise information given during the module (including directed reading) and apply it in a way that directly answers the question with coherent argument and critical synthesis of the issues involved.AssessmentProvide a clear synthesis of (and cite sources for) information relevant to the chosen policy area. and apply it in a way that directly answers the question with coherent argument and critical synthesis of the issues involved.

-excellent -Grade A- to A**Examination answersClearly summarise information given during the module (including directed reading), and acquired through wider study, and present it in a way that directly answers the question displaying very high critical and synthetic ability.AssessmentProvide an exceptionally clear synthesis of (and cite sources for) a wide range of information relevant to the chosen policy area. Present it in a way that directly answers the question displaying very high critical and synthetic ability.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to use these key concepts to analyse real-life environmental policy case studies.

• Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts important for analysing environmental policy.

• Describe and critically evaluate major features of the policy-making process in the UK and internationally; the influences upon that process and its impacts.

• Summarise and communicate policy-relevant information in a professional, logical and coherent manner, including arguing for or against a particular policy.

• Understand the reasons for or against government intervention in environmental issues.