Module manager: Dr Peter Sutoris
Email: p.sutoris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
SOEE5860M Physical Climate Change, Impacts and Mitigation. SOEE5870M Social and Political Dimensions of the Climate Challenge
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module explores the many ways climate change and development intersect, with focus on the Global South*. The teaching team (composed of climate scientists, climate impact modelers, sustainability scientists, politics and international development scholars) will expose students to: diverse understandings of and approaches to development; the multiple forms of evidence on climate variability, dynamics and weather extremes, impacts, risk and vulnerability; and stimulate debate on proposed solutions through critical analysis of adaptation and mitigation case-studies.
In this module you will:
1. Explore multiple perspectives and narratives of climate change and development in the Global South* – e.g. disciplinary, global, regional, sectoral, local.
2. Explore what development is, the way development functions as a discourse (a way of constructing problems and responses to them) as well as practice, the plurality of theories, visions and outcomes of development.
3. Explore how development intersects with climate change - both implications of development as a societal process and project for climate change, and climate change impacts on development.
4. Critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative evidence from the climate, natural and social sciences to understand how climate change poses unique challenges for the development of countries and peoples in the Global South.
5. Critically explore climate change governance and financing and implications in the Global South.
6. Critically evaluate policy and practical responses to climate change and how they intersect with the other Sustainable Development Goals.
7. Expose students to case study contexts across the world, inspiring critically evaluation of and debate on proposed solutions in the climate-development field (e.g. climate compatible development, climate-smart development, climate-resilient pathways) and their implementation.
*The module includes critical reflection on use of this and associated terms.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically examine the intersections between climate change and development.
2. Describe and assess quantitative and qualitative evidence on climate change for a region of relevance to the module.
3. Explain the impacts of climate change on countries and implications for their development by drawing on multiple disciplinary perspectives, data and forms of knowledge.
4. Critically evaluate policy and practical responses to climate change.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1.Academic integrity and academic writing (academic). Searching for, evaluating and using appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research. Writing in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
2. Critical thinking (academic, sustainability). Weighing up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas. Understanding different academic disciplines, their strengths and limitations. Questioning norms and practices; reflecting on own values and perceptions; identifying and applying evidence; reframing problems.
3.Teamwork/Collaboration (Work-Ready, Sustainability). The ability to build positive relationships with other people which then enables successful projects or other collaborations. Learning from others (including peers, and others inside and outside of their institution); understanding and respects the needs, perspectives and actions of other stakeholders; dealing with conflicts in a group; using participatory approaches; facilitates collaborative and participatory problem solving; applying inter and trans-disciplinarity to problem solving.
4.Systems thinking and integrated problem-solving (sustainability). Recognising and understanding relationships; analysing complex environmental, social and economic systems. Applying problem-solving frameworks and developing viable, inclusive and equitable solutions.
5.Effective communication (sustainability, work-ready). Communicating effectively through listening, clarity of expression and constructive inquiry; engaging in interdisciplinary discussion to inform thinking about sustainable futures and seek holistic, creative solutions to problems. Communicating in a clear, concise and focused way; tailoring each message for its intended audience and listening carefully to the views of others.
6.Working and communicating with others (Enterprise). Creating commitment from others, valuing ideas, collaborating and networking.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 6 | 2.5 | 15 |
| Practical | 5 | 2.5 | 12.5 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2.5 | 12.5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 250 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided directly to students during class-based practical and group discussion sessions/seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Briefing Note | 50 |
| Assignment | Policy Brief | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The re-sit for this module will take the form of a 3,000 word report. The mark for this assignment will be the mark for the whole module.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 13/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team