Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20 Credyd neu 10 Credyd ECTS

Semester 2

Trefnydd: Dr Sophie Wynne-Jones

This module looks at changing approaches to governance that have occurred over the last fifty years. We consider changes in both social and environmental governance – discussing for example, welfare reform and public service provision, as well particular aspects of natural resource management, like water privatisation. We focus in on the rise of what has been described as a ‘neoliberal approach’ to governance, which is associated with an increasing emphasis upon market-led approaches, a rise in privatization and the devolution of controls and responsibility away from central government. The module explores the history and rationales behind these changes, along with the consequences. Here we explore a range of global case-studies, seeking to evaluate what forms of governance are most effective, and on what terms. For example, is nationalised or privatised, or community-led, provision of services more effective, equitable and environmentally sound? We will discuss the changing role of the State and non-State actors, alongside the different forms of power and social behavioural changes that have become evident across society. Resistance, opposition and alternatives to such changes will be also be covered – including social movements in Europe and Latin America. The module will introduce students to key concepts from social-theory and political-ecology, enabling them to better link questions of social, political and environmental change.

Key topics will include: • Characteristics of neoliberal governance and ‘Neoliberalism’ • Different rationales for changing approaches to governance (across social and environmental issues) • Different approaches to securing power • Changing social norms and behaviours • The interface with environmental change, governance and politics. • Key concepts from social theory and political ecology to explore the above

Case studies to explore the different dimensions and impacts of governance change including: • Privatisation – of resources such as water, energy and social housing • Welfare reform • Deregulation and devolvement of State power and responsibilities (e.g. for environmental protection) • Commodification and the creation of new markets e.g. ‘ecosystem goods and services’ • The rising influence of the financial sector in new areas (e.g. food markets and agricultural securities). • New enclosures – including forms of contemporary land grabbing. • Resistance – how and why neoliberalisation is being contested and rejected.

ardderchog

In addition to the above, evidence of substantial reading from a variety of sources (e.g. books, journal articles and research reports), and advanced knowledge of recent developments in the subject. Advanced critical evaluation of concepts and case studies. Elegant and flowing presentation, with flair for subject.

trothwy

Be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the different forms of social and environmental governance.. Presentation of appropriate examples to demonstrate the political-economic, socio-cultural and environmental processes involved and their impacts upon society and the environment. Basic application of key concepts from social theory and political-ecology to evaluate relevant case-studies.

da

Clear understanding and thorough knowledge of the different forms of social and environmental governance. Highly structured, accurate and relevant descriptions of appropriate examples to demonstrate the political-economic, socio-cultural and environmental processes involved and their impacts upon society and the environment. Critical evaluation of concepts and case studies. High standard of presentation. Evidence of reading and knowledge of recent developments in the subject.

1. Identify the characteristics of, and reasons for, changing approaches to social and environmental governance, since the early 1980s.

2. Describe the major imperatives, benefits and constraints of a ‘neoliberal approach’ to governance.

3. Critically evaluate appropriate case studies to demonstrate changing approaches to social and environmental governance.

4. Apply key concepts from social theory and political-ecology to evaluate the impacts of changing approaches to governance on society and the environment.

Math	Enw	Disgrifiad	Pwysau
TRAETHAWD	Essay		40
CYFLWYNIAD GRWP	Group Presentation		20
ARHOLIAD	Exam		40

		Oriau
Seminar	6 x 2 hr seminars	12
Private study	Private and guided self-study	168
Workshop	1 x 2 hr workshops	2
Lecture	9 x 2 hour lectures	18

• Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
• Defnyddio cyfrifiaduron - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio ystod o feddalwedd cyfrifiadurol
• Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
• Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
• Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
• Sgiliau Rhyngbersonol - Gallu gofyn cwestiynau, gwrando'n astud ar atebion a'u harchwilio
• Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
• Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.
• Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd
• Rheloaeth - Gallu defnyddio, cydlynu a rheoli adnoddau (dynol, ffisegol ac/neu ariannol)
• Dadl - Gallu cyflwyno, trafod a chyfiawnhau barn neu lwybr gweithredu, naill ai gydag unigolyn neu mewn grwˆp ehangach
• Hunanymwybyddiaeth & Ystyried - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch cryfderau, gwendidau, nodau ac amcanion eich hun. Gallu adolygu ,cloriannu a myfyrio'n rheolaidd ar eich perfformiad eich hun ac eraill.
• Arweinyddiaeth - Gallu arwain a rheoli, datblygu cynlluniau gweithredu ac amcanion, cynnig arweiniad a chyfarwyddyd i eraill, ac ymdopi â'r pwysau sy'n gysylltiedig ag awdurdod o'r fath

• Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
• Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
• Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
• Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
• Awareness of the concepts of spatial and temporal scale in understanding processes and relationships.
• Appreciation of the reciprocal nature of human-environmental relationships.
• Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
• Preparation of effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.

Rhestrau Darllen Bangor (Talis)

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-3017.html

Rhagofynion

• DXX-1004: Human Geography

Gorfodol mewn cyrsiau:

• L700: BA Geography year 3 (BA/GEOG)
• L701: BA Geography (with International Experience) year 4 (BA/GEOGIE)
• F801: MGeog Geography year 3 (MGEOG/G)
• F805: MGeog Geography with International Experience year 4 (MGEOG/GIE)

Opsiynol mewn cyrsiau:

• F800: BSC Geography year 3 (BSC/GEOG)
• F806: BSc Geography (4 yr with placement) year 3 (BSC/GEOG4)
• F802: BSc Geography (with International Experience) year 4 (BSC/GEOGIE)