The purpose of this module is to provide a theoretically informed base from which to analyse the nature and variety of forms of governance that characterise eco and low carbon developments around the world. It does so by examining conceptual approaches to governance – the interactions between public and private sectors and citizens – in the delivery of eco-development policy. The module explores: the role of key actors, contrasts top-down and bottom-up forms of governance for eco-developments, and assesses how key actors shape the nature of development of eco and low carbon cities and how they construct notions of environmentally friendly development.

1. Critically appreciate key approaches to governance
2. The process of ‘steering’ development in a variety of settings
3. The ways in which key actors construct notions of ‘eco’ and low carbon development
4. Evaluate key debates in eco-city and low carbon city developments
5. Demonstrate a good understanding of the interactions between key actors in the delivery of eco-developments

The module will be delivered by a combination of:

• Lectures
• Seminars structured around key contemporary debates
• Directed reading

Lectures and seminars are supplemented by Powerpoint presentations (slides are copied and made available) and handouts. Key readings that are used in teaching sessions will be available in Learning Central before the session in which they are to be discussed. During seminars you may be required to lead a discussion and you will always have to contribute to debate/discussion.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Academic/subject specific skills

• Students will be expected to demonstrate skills of critical analysis through an ability to:
• Identify key issues and relationships
• Critically evaluate various approaches – top-down and bottom-up forms of governance, eco city and low carbon city – and to distinguish their merits and drawbacks
• Application of eco-development thinking to a range of national, regional and organisational contexts

Transferable/employability skills

• Students will practice and develop the following:
• Data collection skills – including qualitative data, data collection and synthesis using databases, web and other sources
• Use language accurately and communicate information efficiently and effectively
• Process large quantities of information rapidly

Essay

100% contribution

Governance of Eco-City Development Essay

4,000 words

Spring

Students are permitted to be reassessed (usually once) in a module which they have failed, in line with course regulations. The reassessment will usually take place during the summer

The module will cover: critical perspectives on governance and urban development, and the nature of governance in different settings (for example, Europe and Asia). This will provide the basis for exploring how citizens, governments and economic actors interact to construct ideas (e.g. through the use of indicators) of eco-city development. The module will then go on to explore how these actors deliver a range of eco-developments, and how bundles of technologies (e.g. for transport) and design can become labeled as ‘eco’ and why the label eco matters in the development process. The module will conclude by assessing how different models of governance can best deliver eco-city development.

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