Environmental Security and Conflcit Resolution
- Social Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 151 pages
- 18 units
This course examines environmental security and conflict resolution, covering topics such as the definition of environmental security, international relation theories applied to the environment, and environmental laws. It also addresses the conceptualization of conflict, the linkage between environmental threats and conflict, theories of conflict, and conflict resolution techniques. The course aims to expose students to the complex phenomenon of environmental security and its impact on international peace and security.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR851, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR851 · Unit 2 Contents
Security applies to different things that are valued by people such as jobs, health, organizations, countries and also to different kinds of risks such as unemployment, lack of food, change in government and war. Recently, the environment has been valued and its change has been seen as security risk, hence the concept of environmental security whose approaches are diverse.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the origin and meaning of environmental security
- Identify situations where environmental problems threaten international peace
- Discuss international theories applicable to the environment
- Define environmental conflict and its causes
- Describe the linkage between environment and conflict
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Consultant
- Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Lawyer
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- International Organizations
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- Energy Sector
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 2: Development of International Environmental Laws
The legal and regulatory frameworks require understanding of international agreements and national laws, which can be complex and detailed.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Theories of Conflict
Theories of conflict require understanding of various perspectives and their application to real-world scenarios, which can be challenging.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 21 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Structure
Unit 1: Basic Definition of Environmental Security · 1.5 hours
Define environmental security and its components. Discuss the ambiguity of the concept and its importance. Identify the various approaches to environmental security.
- Week 2Module 1: Structure
Unit 2: Origins of Environmental Security · 1.5 hours
Describe the origin of environmental security. Explain the growth of environmental consciousness. Link environmental changes caused by human activity to security.
- Week 3Module 1: Structure
Unit 3: Environmental Security Analysis · 1.5 hours
Discuss the growth of environmental security analysis. Identify the dissimilarities between security from violence and environmental threats. Analyze the impact of environmental degradation on global order and stability.
- Week 4Module 1: Structure
Unit 4: Environmental Problems as a Threat and the United Nations' Security Council · 1.5 hours
Identify situations where environmental problems threaten international peace. Explain the UNSC's role in addressing environmental conflicts. Discuss the legal implications of UNSC decisions on environmental issues.
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: International Relations Theories applied to Environment · 1.5 hours
Discuss the application of Realism, Liberalism, and other theories to environmental issues. Analyze the role of states and international cooperation in environmental management. Examine the impact of economic growth on environmental sustainability.
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Theoretical Framework applied in Environmental Security · 1.5 hours
Explain the theoretical framework applied in environmental security. Discuss the views from which environmental security was drawn. Analyze the developments leading to the emergence of environmental security.
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Green Political Theory · 1.5 hours
Explain the basis for the Green theory. Discuss the distinctive arguments of the Green Political Theory. Understand how global political structures can be reformed for sustainability.
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 4: Environmental Security versus Political Ecology · 1.5 hours
Provide a general overview of the environmental debate. Discuss the perspective of political ecology on the environmental debate. Analyze the complex networks of actors involved in managing the environment.
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 1: Understanding the Environment · 1.5 hours
Define the environment and its components. Explain climate change and its causes. Discuss the effects of human activities on the climate system.
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 2: Development of International Environmental Laws · 1.5 hours
Explain the development of International Environmental Law. Understand various concepts used in the law, such as precautionary approach. Discuss the polluter pays principle and sustainable development.
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 3: Multilateral Environmental Agreements/Treaties · 1.5 hours
Understand the evolution of environmental treaties. Discuss the various multilateral environmental agreements/treaties entered into by states. Analyze the role of the United Nations in environmental protection.
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 4: National Environmental Law · 1.5 hours
Discuss what gave rise to Nigeria's environmental era. Explain the various interventions by the Nigerian government aimed at addressing environmental degradation. Analyze the effectiveness of national environmental laws.
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 3 hours
Review all modules and units. Work on assignments and TMAs. Prepare for final examinations.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking environmental security definitions (Unit 1) to international theories (Unit 5)
- Practice applying conflict resolution techniques (Module 5) to specific environmental conflict case studies
- Focus on understanding the key multilateral environmental agreements and treaties (Module 3)
- Review the various environmental problems facing Nigeria (Unit 3) and their impact
- Study the theories of conflict (Module 4) and their relevance to environmental security
- Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit
- Allocate specific study hours for each module based on its complexity and length
- Practice answering essay questions related to the course topics
- Review all tutor-marked assignments and incorporate feedback into your study plan
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR851 about?
This course examines environmental security and conflict resolution, covering topics such as the definition of environmental security, international relation theories applied to the environment, and environmental laws. It also addresses the conceptualization of conflict, the linkage between environmental threats and conflict, theories of conflict, and conflict resolution techniques. The course aims to expose students to the complex phenomenon of environmental security and its impact on international peace and security.
How many units does PCR851 have?
PCR851, Environmental Security and Conflcit Resolution, has 18 units across 5 modules, over 151 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR851?
PCR851 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR851 hard?
PCR851 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PCR851 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is PCR851 assessed?
PCR851 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PCR851?
Environmental Consultant, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Policy Analyst, Sustainability Manager and Environmental Lawyer.