LAS218 Population and Environment in China 

Overview

This module examines the interdependent relationship between population and environment in China. It starts with an overview of China’s huge environmental challenges, including air pollution, soil erosion and water shortage. We will then discuss (1) population growth and its environmental consequences; and (2) the impact of environmental degradation on human welfare. Lastly the module looks at how the Chinese government tackles environmental damage and the role of civil society in protecting the environment. The module discusses these topics through the development of key concepts and a series of case studies.

Topics Covered

•  Legacy of Mao’s War Against Nature

•  Economic Growth and the Environment

•  Demographic Trends in China: Mortality and Fertility

•  Environmental Consequences of Population Growth

•  Urbanization and Rural-to-Urban Migration

•  Impact of Urbanization on Environment

•  Environment and Health

•  Environmental Governance

•  The Role of Civil Society

Skills developed

• Digital literacy will be developed through extensive literature search for the essay, but also when designing and making the academic poster.

•  Analytical thinking will be developed by assessing the generic characteristics and uniqueness of population and environment in China through comparison and contrast of situations in China and elsewhere.

•  Critical Ability will be developed through the discussion of assigned readings in seminars, analyzing issues in written form for the assignment.

•  Independent Learning will be developed through a set of tasks to locate, evaluate and synthesize a range of learning materials and to formulate arguments by yourself for seminar discussions and essays.

•  Communication skills will be developed by expressing and defending ideas through small group discussions in seminars.

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 200 hours working on a 20-credit module. This will include:

• Lectures 10 hours

• Seminars 10 hours

• Independent study 180 hours

Assessment

• Written assignment 30% Poster Presentation (500-800 words)

• Written assignment 70% Research Essay (2000 words)

If you want to get ahead....

Shapiro, J. (2012) China's Environmental Challenges, Cambridge: Polity Press. Chapter 1 Introduction: The Big Picture.