Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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Description This module critically examines how global and national societies discuss and debate public policies and personal behaviours around how to respond to climate change. It examines the institutional, political, and economic factors that shape how the transition to a low carbon society could or should take place in the emerging anthropocene era. Focusing on the role of public communication, public opinion, and social change, the module examines how government, national organisations, transnational organisations, news outlets, interest groups, scientists, social movements, public thinkers, and citizens shape major debates on climate change resilience, adaption, and mitigation. It examines the role of communication in relation to different theories of social change and the various worldviews that underpin those future visions of society. It explores the economic, technological, and political forces that shape social decisions. As it explores these issues, the module will apply research-based knowledge to the communication activities of experts and advocates, in Ireland and internationally, who work to influence a transition to a low-carbon society. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a systematic understanding of the role of public communication in climate change and social transition. 2. Identify, based on current insights, the major challenges and problems in national and global societies related to climate change resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. 3. Scrutinise the social norms and relationships that contribute to obstacles to, and opportunities for, public and political action on climate change and social transition. 4. Select and demonstrate a range of advanced research techniques in the production of a research papers that examine climate change and societal transition. 5. Demonstrate advanced enquiry skills in the analysis of communication campaigns around climate change and social transition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Perspectives on a climate-challenged societyThe opening class will focus on the various worldviews about the relationship of humans to the environment, and how these philosophies underpin different responses to climate change and paths to a low-carbon society.Why societies disagree about the super-wicked problem of climate changeThis class will discuss climate change as a phenomenon sociologists have called a super-wicked problem, one that cannot be solved, but can only be managed. It will explore what this wicked nature of climate change means for resilience, mitigation and adaption to climate change.Communication and Social Change: Public PersuasionThis class examines one set of ideas from communication studies and related disciplines that argue that social change results from effective persuasion, leading over time to the formation of a critical mass of public opinion that leads to policy change and behaviour change. It will examine cases and examples where these strategies have been applied.Communication and Social Change: Power-politicsThis class examines one set of ideas from communication studies and related disciplines that argues that social change results from the mobilisation of social movements and increased citizen participation in politics that puts press on government and industry to force social change. It will examine cases and examples where these strategies have been applied, especially in relation to environmental organisations and social movements around the environment.Communication and Social Change: Dialogue and DeliberationThis class examines one set of ideas from communication studies and related disciplines that argues that social change results from effective dialogue and deliberation between different sectors of society to create shared understandings and potential paths forward. It will examine cases and examples where these strategies have been applied, including the policies of Green parties in government and in opposition.Technology and Social ChangeThis class examines the idea that technologies will drive social change to a low-carbon society. It examines the public and political debate surrounding technologies such as nuclear power, carbon capture, fracking, solar and hydro power. It examines the process by which energy innovation occurs and how new technologies diffuse through society.The Market and Social ChangeThis class examines market-based mechanisms that can aid the transition to low-carbon societies. It will examine the role of industries, companies, and entrepreneurs in the areas of renewable technologies.Political Economy and Climate ChangeThis class examines the macro economic and political environment in which policies around climate change are shaped and enacted, and how that environment impacts on social changeCase Study of Social Transition in ActionThis class will involve a field trip to Cloughjorgan ecovillage to see first-hand how a community has put in place a small-scale transition to a low-carbon way of living. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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