GY465      Half Unit
Concepts in Environmental Regulation

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Richard Perkins STC. S413 and Dr Nora Sylvander

Availability

This course is available on the MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MPA in Social Impact, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies, MSc in Regulation, MSc in Risk and Finance and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.

This course cannot be taken with GY420 Environmental Regulation: Implementing Policy or GY475 Issues in Environmental Governance.

Course content

This course provides critical insights into the nature, dynamics and practice of environmental regulation. It considers the rationale for policy intervention and the influence of different interest groups on environmental policy making. The course proceeds to examine the characteristics, design and performance of different policy instruments, together with the various influences governing policy implementation processes.

Teaching

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Michaelmas Term.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.

Formative coursework

Students are expected to prepare one piece of formative coursework in the Michaelmas Term: feedback will be provided..

Indicative reading

While there is no one single text that covers all aspects of the course, you are welcome to consult the following:

  • J Holder and M Lee (2007) Environmental Protection Law and Policy (2nd edition), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press;
  • N Carter (2018) The Politics of the Environment: Ideas, Activism, Policy (3rd edition), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press;
  • S Bell, D McGillivray, O Pedersen, E Lees and E Stokes (2017) Environmental Law (9th edition), Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Assessment

Coursework (100%, 3500 words) in the LT.

The summative assignment will be a policy brief with critical reflection (3500 words).

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 37.2
Merit 51.2
Pass 11.6
Fail 0

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Geography & Environment

Total students 2019/20: 13

Average class size 2019/20: 4

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication