BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO
FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL
SCIENCE
POL. 3314: POLITICS OF
DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT
SUB-TOPIC: ENVIRONMENT
AND DEVEOPMENT
INSTRUCTOR: M. M. YUSIF
ACADEMIC YEAR:
2012/2013
Introduction
Environmental science is a growing field
of teaching and research, both for undergraduate, graduate and professionals in
natural and social sciences.
The aim of this course, which is
designed for political science students in “Politics of Development and
Underdevelopment”, is to expose them on issues where the need for economic
development and environmental protection meets.
Thus, we are going to confront the
complexity of production, consumption, liberalisation of trade, etc. as they
affect and change environment and Vice-versa.
Description
of the course
As the course is designed within the
framework of social science conception of development, it will engage directly
with debates on the concept and on sustainability, to provide a thorough
understanding, with case studies of policy tools and strategies that can be
used to promote environmental protection.
Liberalisation of trade in the
twenty-first Century has intensified utilisation of resources with possible
danger on the environment. So, in order to understand the institutions,
principles and practices of the global organisations concern with this problem
we will pay attention to the role of GATT-WTO in the management of
environmental pressures.
It is this which will open another frontier
to develop concepts and theories to understand the interactions between trade,
environment and development.
The course is divided into six parts of
a single process of development of ideas and knowledge in analysis and
understanding complex Development Question.
One is the identification of the major
concepts we are going to deal with and the theoretical context to create solid
foundation.
Second is on the meanings and views
about development. You would be introduced to the range of perspectives and
tools to see what development is.
Third, is rethinking development,
bringing the environmental context and perspective. Here you are going to be
introduced to the idea and debates as well as the practice of sustainable
development.
Fourth, will introduce the
interdependence between trade and environment. Some key issues of the
relationship such as trade liberalisation and environmental regulation,
environmental issues in WTO Agreements, TRIPS and Biodiversity etc, would be
treated.
Fifth is that some fundamental issues
which affect environment and would in turn affect development such as climate
change, economic integration and environment, Multilateral Environmental
Agreements, etc would be open up for discussion.
Sixth is the politics of Environmental
Movements
By the time you have passed through this
course you will be able to understand the social, economic, political and
environmental issues regarding development in both developed and underdeveloped
societies in a holistic way, as well as be able to apply interdisciplinary
approaches to development policy and practices.
Topics and Readings
1-
GENERAL
INTRODUCTION
Introducing the course;
Topics and Readings; Course Requirements; Aid for learning and research;
Assessment of the teaching programme by students; Socialisation; other things;
Division of students into seminars;
Reading
1. M.M.
Yusif, “How to write small research project”
2. Munro
C. And Rosanna D. “E-Research: An introduction to Online Political Science for
beginners and sceptics”
3. Gunther
Baechler, “Environmental Delegation and Violent conflict: Hypothesis, Research
Agendas and Theory-building”. In Mohammed Suliman (ed.). ecology, politics,
violent conflict
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Dispute on the course
content as Political Science
-
Read No. 3 above, for research
hypotheses on Environment for discussion
2-
CONCEPTS AND THEORETICAL CONTEXT: TRADE;
ENVIRONMENT; DEVELOPMENT
Reading
1. James
K.B. The Political Economy of the Environment
2. UNEP,
Environment and Trade: A Handbook
3. Daniel
C.E. “Governing at the Trade-environment Interface”. In Gary P.S. (ed.) The WTO
and Global Governance
4. Magali
A.D. and Oran R.U. (eds.). Governance for the Environment: New Perspectives
chapters 2,3 and 4
5. Friends
of the Earth, What’s wrong with World Trade? An introduction to the trade and
sustainability debate
6. Rorden
Wilkinson, “The Problematic of Trade and Development: Beyond the Doha Round
7. Panla
C. And others, Trade and Environment Issues. Chapter one
8. Bruce
Bruun, “Towards a New Earth and a new humanity: Nature ontology, politics in
David H. A critical Reader
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Construct any theory
which could explain the relationship between Environment and Economy/Trade
3-
GLOBALISATION,
TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT
Reading
1- Duncan
Brack, “International Trade and the Environment”. In Brain H. And Steven M.
(eds.). Trade politics.
2- Eban
G. “Malthus redux? Globalisation and the Environment”. In Dean Baker and others
(eds.). Globalisation and Progressive Economic Policy.
3- Adil
N. And others. “Environment and Globalisation: Five propositions”
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
The interactions
between globalisation and environment is dangerous/not dangerous to human
society:- for debate
4-
THE
MEANINGS WHICH DEVELOPMENT HAS FOR US. WHAT IS DEVELOPMENT?
Reading
1. Gilbert
Rist. The History of Development: from Western Origins to Global faith.
Chapters 1 and 4
2. Gills
M. and others. Economics of Development
3. Yolamu
Barongo. Political Science in Africa. Chapter II
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Dispute on how does
development look like in peripheral societies.
5-
RE-THINKING
DEVELOPMENT: ENVIRNMENTAL PERSPECTIVES: ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Reading
1. Jonathan
M.H. and Neva R.G. Reconciling Growth and the Environment
2. Gary
C.B. “Agenda 21: Myth or Reality”. In Norman J.V. and Regina S.A. (eds). The
Global Environment: Institutions, Law and Policy
3. UN,
Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common
Future.
4. Magali
A.D. and Oran R.Y. (eds). op.cit. chapter 1
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Illustrate what is
meant by sustainable Development
-
Examine the
relationship between liberalisation of trade and the environment
6-
ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES IN WTO AGREEMENTS/TRADE ISSUES IN MEAS
Reading
1. Paul
C. And Others, op.cit
2. UNEP
op.cit.
3. CPD,
Environment Related Trade Barriers and the WTO
4. Duncan
Brack and Kevin Gray. MEAS and the WTO
5. Veena
I. And Rene V. (UNCTAD). Breaking the Deadlock: A positive Agenda on Trade,
Environment and Development
FOR
DISSCUSSION
-
Give an account of the
history of GATT-WTO concern on Environment
-
WTO Agreement manage
environment to protect international trade while MEAS manage international
trade to protect the environment. Comment.
7-
CONFICT
BETWEEN TRADE AND ENVIORNMENT
Reading
1. UN.
Op.cit
2. OTA,
Trade and Environment: Conflict and Opportunities
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Spell out and discuss
some of the Environmental Laws and Agreements that are in Conflict with
International Trade
-
Conflict between
Environment and Trade results in crisis of development. Discuss
8-
CLIMATE
CHANGE AND THE CONSEQUESNCES ON DEVELOPMENT
Reading
1. Norman
J.V. and Others. Op.cit chapter 10
2. Mohammed
Suliman op.cit. chapter 9
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
How does climate change
affect the economic development of human society?
9-
URBAN
CRISIS AND CHALLENGE
Reading
1. UN,
op.cit.
2. Gerald
Breese, Urbanisation in Newly Developing Countries
3. Richard
Sandbrook, The politics of Basic Needs. Chapters 2, 5 and 6
4. Paul
M.L. Islam and Urban labor in Northern Nigeria. Chapter 2
5. David
H., Rebel cities: from the Right to the city to Urban Revolution
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
How does urban crisis
manifest itself? Is it correct to say that urban crisis is capitalist crisis?
What is the connection with environment
10-
INDUSTRY,
AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
Reading
1. UN,
op.cit.
2. OECD,
Agriculture and the Environment
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Industry brings overall
development of human society but is pregnant with danger for health
-
What are the costs and
benefits for Environment as a result of Agricultural activities
11-
CASE
STUDIES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Reading
1. Norman
J.V. and Others. Op.cit. chapters 12-15
2. Mohammed
Suliman. Op.cit. chapters 6-11
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
Select a single programme
and evaluate the impact of the project on Environment
-
Select any development
project or economic development activity in Nigeria and assess its impact on
Environment
12-
ENVIRONMENTALISM:
MOVEMENT AGAINST THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON ENVIRONMENT
Reading
1. Giorel
Curran. 21st Century Dissert: Anarchism, Anti-globalisation and
Environmentalism
2. Ronald
S. And Phaeora C.P. Environmental Justice and Environmentalism: The Social
Justice challenge to the Environmental Movement
3. Mohammed
Suliman op.cit. chapter 4
FOR
DISCUSSION
-
The era of Neo-Liberal
globalisation is characterised by Anarchist tendency in the struggle for social
justice. Examine this with reference to Environmentalism
-
Environmentalist
Movements are more theoretical in their demand, than political. Comment.
13-
CONCLUSION
I: Presentation and discussion of Seminar research work
14-
CONCLUSION
II
-
Discussion on the paper
“Research opportunities in the area of governance for sustainable development.
-
Eating and chatting
Additional
Reading
1. Jeffrey
J.P. and James R.R. Environmental conflict. In search of Common Ground
2. Daniel
C. “Trade, Environment and Development: The recent Argentine Experience”
3. ECLA,
“Trade, Environment and Development: Implications for Caribbean countries
4. Roldan
M. Trade, Environment and Development: A Political Ecology and Material
Perspectives”
5. Jacklyn
Cock” The challenge of Ecological Transformation in post-Apathcid South Africa:
The re-emergence of an Environmental Justice Movement”. In Marcelle C.D.
Contesting Transformation: popular resistance in Twenty-first century South
Africa
6. Raymond
Williams, Socialism and Ecology
Course
Requirement
Ø The
teaching of the course is by giving lectures. Each topic is expected to be
covered in one lecture period. When the duration of the semester is against my
plan some topics may be combined for treatment. However, the last 80 minutes of
each period will be for presentation and discussion on chosen text or question.
Ø Assessment
of students is based on end of semester examination (70%) and continuous
assessment (30%). The CA will be determined by obligatory weekly assignment;
active participation in discussing the assignment; a group small research
project; research project response paper; a supervised test; ICT usage;
attendance;
Ø At
the end of the semester each seminar will submit a report on classroom
experience.
Ø There
are many teaching aids on my website which are recommended to enhance the
capacity of students in ICT, communicative writing, etc
Ø In
order to purify the system of learning and research I have to take strict
disciplinary action against any student who is found on plagiarism. To avoid
plagiarism you must not copy or paraphrase someone else work and present it as
your own. Again, all texts consulted should be properly acknowledged. The
penalty is that any work found to be plagiarism will result in being assessed
“00” in the overall CA on the course.
Learning
Needs Skill
Learning even in tertiary institutions
is a complex relationship of so many skills. It requires communication skills,
team work, study devices, use of modern information and Communication
Technology, etc
The following learning guides which I
have developed for my students in the last six years are also recommended for
you. They are compulsory readings for all my students in the level 200. They
can be found in my e-mail address: http://www.mmyusuf.blogspot.com.
They are hereby listed below:
1. Assessing
students examination papers: Marking Scheme
2. Enhancing
students capacity in learning through the use of computers, internet and e-mail
3. Introducing
Team/Group works in large classes
4. How
to use internet to source reading materials
5. Study
guidelines for effective performance by my student
6. How
to make patterned notes form texts
7. Writing
Examination: A Communicative Approach
8. How
to write group semester paper in large classes
9. How
to write Book Review
10.
Communicative writing:
Exploiting the concept
11.
Taking Note in class
lecture on from a Textbook
12.
Using E-mail for
Teaching, Learning and research
13.
Code E-Journals and
E-Books for Teaching, Learning and Research
14.
Code of ethics in the
class of M. M. Yusif
15.
ICT for learning and
education beyond information
16.
Criticism-self-criticism
session
17.
Guidelines for
small-research project
18.
Progress Report on ICTs
for learning and research
19.
The underlying guides
and principles of teaching in my class
20.
Reflecting on Teaching
Military and Politics
21.
How to do research:
What are the Problems
22.
Information Age Moving
with ICTs to understand the World around us
23.
Progress report on the
teaching of peace and Conflict Studies
My watch word in this year’s teaching is
whatever ideas received from me or from text books given to read are not
correct and final. You must challenge and criticise them in order to keep
learning. In this academic session endeavour to make learning as “Education for
transformation”. Get ready. Each of you is going to show and tell us that
he/she has changed, from the time we have started to the end of the course and
beyond.
M.
M. Yusif
