ER02: The Ecological Crisis at Global & Local Level
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The Ecological Crisis at Global & Local Level
The Ecological Crisis at Global & Local Level
ER02
NFQ Level:
9
ECTS Credits:
7.5
Dr Séan McDonagh
This Module will:
present and analyse the impact of human activity on earth systems at the global and
local level; explore the future implications of non-intervention and examine the
potential impact and contribution of the engagement of faith communities and
religious bodies in ecological questions.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
MO1 Explain coherently the crucial ecological problems facing Ireland and Planet Earth.
MO2 Explore the links between environmental degradation and social justice.
MO3 Demonstrate a critical ability to assess arguments advanced by writers who argue for ‘business-as-usual’ e.g.
Bjorn Lomborg et al.
MO4 Discuss critically and competently how political, economic and religious perspectives impact on the
environment, positively or negatively
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Indicative Context
Grounded in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, this module looks at:
the impact of human activity on crucial ecosystems globally and in Ireland; the human devastation of vital
ecosystems e.g. tropical rainforests, coral reefs, fresh water, oceans and croplands; the ‘tipping’ points that could
abruptly change things for the worse with little chance of recovery on a human timescale; the ways in which
religious groups, such as the World Council of Churches and other religious bodies are responding to this;
responses to climate change and its consequences globally and nationally; the pollution of freshwater and the
impacts on ocean ecosystems; the erosion of croplands and the problems of food security and the use of new
technologies in food production; as well as the mass extinction of species which is taking place in our time.
ER02: The Ecological Crisis at Global & Local Level
Assessment Breakdown
Essay
Linked to Module Outcome: MO 1, MO2
Interdisciplinary Seminar Paper
Linked to Module Outcome: MO 3, MO4
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
%
100%
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Assessment Date
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Hours
Total Workload
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Indicative Reading List:
Douthwaite, Richard (ed.), Before the Wells Run Dry: Ireland’s Transition to Renewable Energy, Dublin: Feasta,
Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability, 2003.
Houghton, John, Global Warming: The Complete Briefing (Third Edition), Cambridge: University Press. 2004.
McDonagh, Seán, To Care for the Earth, London: Chapman, 1985.
The Greening of the Church, London: Chapman,1990.
Dying for Water, Dublin: Veritas, 2003.
The Death of Life: The Horror of Extinction, Dublin: Columba Publications, 2004.
Climate Change: The Challenge To Us All, Dublin: Columba, 2006.
Northcott, Michael, The Environment and Christian Ethics, Cambridge:University Press, 2007.
Our Common Future: World Commission on Environment and Development,
Oxford: University Press, 1987.
Global Environmental Outlook, London: Earthscan Publications, 2002.
Essential Article/Paper Resources
ER02: The Ecological Crisis at Global & Local Level
Other Resources
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