Thursday 13 February 2014

POL. 3314: POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT SUB-TOPIC: ENVIRONMENT AND DEVEOPMENT



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