GG1EI-Environmental Issues
Module Provider: Geography
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level:
4
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr
A
Howard
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: a.howard@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
At the end of this module, students will be able to:
Assessable learning outcomes:
Based on lecture content and associated reading students will be able to:
- construct a basic systems diagram showing system components and inter-relationships
- use a reader to compile environmental news stories from a range of sources and share these with other students
- critically appraise the factual quality of news stories (and sources) and to identify bias
- work in a small group to critically appraise and debate the content of two key videos
- complete online quizzes testing general knowledge and understanding of lecture material
Additional outcomes:
Students will make use of library sources and Internet newsfeeds to acquire knowledge and examples to assist in coursework. Students will learn how to evaluate different sources of information. Students will become familiar with using a virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and using their chosen RSS reader to collect relevant news stories. The module will therefore enhance their IT skills and, through the continuing discussions, their communication skills.
Outline content:
1. Introduction to module, reading sources, Blackboard and news feeds
2. Overview of environmental issues, their different facets and inter-relationships using energy and the Beijing Olympics as an example.
3. Introduction to systems theory in Environmental Issues
4. Climate change: the CO2 problem and the international debate.
5. Impacts of climate change: observed and projected in environmental and socio-economic systems
6. Media portrayals of climate change.
7. Combating the CO2 problem: Kyoto and alternative energy
8. Energy Efficiency and Conservation
9. The future of sustainable energy development and public perception towards energy
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, videos and online exercises. Students will use the Blackboard VLE so support lecture material and to complete assessment tasks.
Module content is mainly non-scientific, though the lecture on climate change introduces some non-mathematical scientific theory.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 10 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | |||
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 10 | ||
| Number of essays or assignments | 4 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will complete up to 4 exercises based on the learning outcomes listed above. The module is entirely contained within the autumn term and all work is completed as the module progresses.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Examinations
None
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Reasessed by coursework as specified by the School
Last updated: 23 November 2009