京都大学 京都大学

Introduction to Sociological Observation-E2 :Understanding Environmental Challenges

Numbering Code U-LAS04 20033 LE45 Year/Term 2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Mainly 1st & 2nd year students Target Student For all majors
Language English Day/Period Thu.1
Instructor name TRENCHER, Gregory (Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies Associate Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course This lecture and discussion course will introduce students to various theories from social science fields that can enrichen our understanding of why environmental and societal challenges occur and how we can better manage them. In doing so, we will use real world case studies and famous journal papers to gain interdisciplinary knowledge from different fields such as environmental sociology, environmental ethics, sociology, philosophy and sustainability transitions and learn how apply these theories to actual environmental and social situations.

The class has a strong theoretical focus and will suit students who already possess: 1) an advanced level in English, 2) basic understanding of environmental problems, 3) an interest in academic research.
Course Goals Students will learn to understand and apply some classic and emerging sociological theories and conceptual frameworks with relevance to environmental challenges. These include the ‘tragedy of the commons’, sustainability transitions, the creation and destruction of technology, and socio-technological lock-in. Students will improve skills in discussion, oral presentations and research. Students will be expected to contribute their ideas and express themselves in small group discussions and classroom exercises.
Schedule and Contents 1. Introduction to course
2. Tragedy of the commons: Climate change
3. Tragedy of the commons: Plastic waste
4. Narratives and socio-technical imaginaries: Focus on coal and hydrogen
5. Ethical dimensions: Can and should humanity control nature?
6. Sustainability transitions and socio-technical systems I: Introduction
7. Sustainability transitions and socio-technical systems II: Strategies to accelerate transitions
8. Sustainability transitions and socio-technical systems III: Socio-technical lock-in
9. Technology for what social purpose? The case of smart cities
10. Research project introduction and preparation
11. Scientific worldviews: Our evolving worldview and the influence of science
12. Research project preparation
13. Research presentations
14. Research presentations
15. Feedback
Evaluation Methods and Policy Attendance and participation 20%
Research project proposal 20%
Research project presentation 30%
Research project paper 30%
Course Requirements This class is designed for students who already possess: 1) an advanced level in English, 2) basic understanding of environmental problems, 3) a strong interest in academic research.
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) All students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions and complete assignments. Revision of class presentations is expected.
Textbooks Textbooks/References No text is required as readings and lecture notes will be distributed in class.
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