This course is design for SEEP students interested in learning about non-orthodox economic approaches to environmental problems. The focus is on the major theoretical approaches that have developed over time in ecological economics, the reasons why they have developed and some of the issues surrounding them. This will introduce a range of concepts and ideas and involve class discussions which critically analyse their content and meaning. Connections will be drawn to the underlying philosophy behind ideas and their ontological and epistemological foundations. The main readings are based around the first two volumes of the four volume collection on ecological economics.

Spash, C.L., 2009. Ecological Economics: Critical Concepts in the Environment, 4 Volumes, Routledge Major Work. Routledge, London.

In addition, students will find the following newly published Handbook useful:

Spash, C. L. (Ed.) (2017). Routledge Handbook of Ecological Economics: Nature and Society. Abingdon and New York: Routledge.

There is a basic pass/fail course attendance requirement.That is, you cannot miss more than 4 hrs of class (equivalent of two class sessions) over the entire semester. This allowance is for serious unforeseen circumstances. Movie sessions have a separate attendance requirement.

There will be 10 classes of 2 hours each and two film nights. Each session will have a short break halfway. There are 8 reading sessions, which will involve student participation and group work.  There will be an extended last session for student led debates.

Classroom etiquette: Please turn-off and do not use mobile communication devices in class, you should be paying attention to the lecturer and class discussions not communicating externally.

Assessment will be 40% short essay, 15% class participation, 25% weekly assignments, 20% debate.

Any absence from class should be notified to the teaching assistant in advance. Please note the course attendance requirements under assessment criteria.

There is a basic pass/fail course attendance requirement.That is, you cannot miss more than 4 hrs of class (equivalent of two class sessions) over the entire semester. This allowance is for serious unforeseen circumstances.