All programmes > Political Ecology

Political Ecology (B-KUL-G0S40A)

3 ECTSEnglish24 Second term
Loopmans Maarten
OC Geografie

Aims

After following this course, students should:

* have acquired in-depth understanding of the interaction between social, economic, political and ecological processes in relation to matters like food, energy, water, waste, infectious diseases, green spaces and air.

* be capable of understanding, comparing and assessing the various theoretical debates in political ecology.

* know the state-of-the-art empirical work in political ecology on a topic of choice

* be able to apply  political ecology theories to empirical cases in a creative way.

Previous knowledge

A background in the social sciences is required. A background in environmental sciences is recommended. The student needs to have obtained at least an introductory knowledge of political sciences, sociology and/or social, economic and political geography. The student will profit from a basic knowledge of biological and ecological processes like the nutrient cycle, air and water pollution, human metabolism. The student needs to be familiar with global environmental issues like climate change, air pollution, deforestation and energy provision, as well as socio-environmental debates around food, natural resources and waste.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

3 ects. Political Ecology: Lectures and Seminars (B-KUL-G0S40a)

3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture24 Second term
Loopmans Maarten
OC Geografie

Content

1) introductory lectures: These introduce the field of political ecology and lay the foundations for the discussion seminars which follow. The lectures deal with key theoretical debates and introduce a number of key concepts in political ecology. Finally, these introductory lectures provide an introduction to the assignments.

2) Assignment-based discussion seminars or guest lectures on specific topics

3) a guided process of peer-supported paper writing

 

 

Course material

Study cost: 1-10 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

Academic journal articles and book chapters (the exact course material might differ from year to year depending on the state of the art of the academic and broader political debate). A reading list with both required and supplementary readings will be provided. Full texts of all required readings will be available. 

 

Format: more information

Discussion - Individual assignment - Paper - Practical lecture - Traditional lecture

The contact hours are divided between (guest)lectures, discussion seminars and guided peer-supported learning. For the discussion seminars, the students are supposed to read one academic journal article or book chapter in preparation, which can be a theoretical text and/or a specific case study. The peer-supported learning takes the form of discussions in smaller groups around pre-decided topics, in preparation of the final individual (exam) paper.

 

Evaluation

Evaluation: Political Ecology (B-KUL-G2S40a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Presentation, Participation during contact hours
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material, Reference work

Explanation


The student will be evaluated based on their participation in class and an individual paper. In this paper, the student demonstrates their knowledge of political ecology theories, and their capacity to apply these to analyze a specific case study of choice. 

Information about retaking exams

Paper only. Please note that the participation marks stay the same as those obtained during the first examination period.