MSc Sociological Research / Course details

This core course unit introduces students to key perspectives in environmental sociology and key interdisciplinary social scientific approaches to sustainable development, and sustainable consumption and production. Students will engage with critical social scientific perspectives on global environmental problems, the key debates, controversies and policy areas associated with them, and how these relate to key issues of environmental justice. Key theories and approaches are explored through the topics of: sustainable consumption and global consumer society; food systems; energy systems; and plastics and pollution; and the potential for positive socio-environmental change in each domain. These debates are located within the broad context of understandings of environmental justice and global inequalities, post-colonial and de-colonial perspectives, and the Anthropocene.
 

The unit equips students with the knowledge and theoretical tools to critically engage with key debates concerning the dynamic relations between social change and the environmental and climate crisis. The course addresses questions such as: What is the relationship between climate change and inequality? Is an environmentally sustainable global society compatible with conventional economic growth? Are consumers responsible for the environmental impacts of their own consumption? Whose knowledge counts in controversies over environmental problems? And, how do we balance the need for equitable economic development in the Global South with global climate change targets?
 

Introduce students to key perspectives in environmental sociology and key interdisciplinary social scientific approaches to sustainable development and sustainable consumption and production.

Introduce students to critical social scientific perspectives on global environmental problems, the key debates, controversies and policy areas associated with them, and how these relate to 
key issues of environmental justice.

Equip students with the knowledge and theoretical tools to critically engage with key debates concerning the dynamic relations between social change and the environmental and climate crisis.

Provide an inclusive learning environment and encourage respect for a diverse range of perspectives.
 

Identify and describe the dynamic relations between environment and society
 

Analyse from a social scientific perspective substantive environmental problems, such as biodiversity loss and micro-plastic pollution
 

Examine and discuss key issues of environmental justice
 

Critically assess research on societal transitions towards sustainability
 

Critically engage with social scientific literature
Find, use and interpret digital sources of information
 

Communicate social scientific understandings to a range of non-academic audiences
 

Critically evaluate existing policies and initiatives addressing societal transitions towards sustainability 
 

Weekly lecture/workshops and tutorials

Case study report and blog post (3000 words total). Students will be closely supporting in fulfilling the assessment formats.