This course examines how transboundary and global environmental issues have been addressed in world politics, drawing on key concepts in the discipline of International Relations. The course will be taught in intensive format, involving four days across the semester. Each of the four days will focus on a key theme or issue in global environmental politics: (i) the history of how environmental change has become 'globalised' including a timeline of diplomatic negotiations and multilateral environmental agreements; (ii) governance, institutions and authority of global environmental change; (iii) the global political economy of environmental change, and (iv) the global ethics of environmental change. Each theme will include discussion to introduce students to the major debates and issues and a case study that will provide students with an opportunity for more focused investigation that contributes to their knowledge of the practice of global environmental politics and also demonstrates the application of key themes and concepts. 

Students will be able to:

• demonstrate a sound knowledge and a critical understanding of the key themes and concepts of global environmental politics and their relationship to debates within the discipline of International Relations
• apply those themes and concepts to a case study of contemporary global environmental politics
• communicate their understanding about global environmental politics in a clear and concise way through assignments and tutorial participation

Two reading reviews (approx 1000 words each); 20% each

Essay project consisting of:

• research plan and annotated bibliography (20%)
• essay 3000 words (40%)

Lorraine Elliott, Global Politics of the Environment (2^nd ed., Palgrave Macmillan 2004)

Delivery mode: Intensive format on campus; four days across the semester (dates TBC).