Module manager: Harriet Thew
Email: h.thew@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Familiarity with: Basic social science relevant for climate change. Basic principles and concepts of climate science.
SOEE5864M
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this module we will explore the complex repercussions of climate change for social and natural systems, addressing multi-dimensional questions of justice and fairness in society. We will address questions of power and movement building, such as: - How could climate change create, exacerbate, or remediate historic and present inequalities? - How have diverse groups pursued climate justice and what can we learn from their lived experiences? - How can we develop climate solutions with justice and solidarity at their core?
In this module you will be introduced to some core concepts used by academics and practitioners to understand and analyse Climate Justice. We will discuss historical and structural barriers affecting fairness within climate science research and connect scientific knowledge of how and why the climate is changing with lived experiences from the communities most vulnerable and impacted.
We will dive into a series of case studies from around the world to understand and explore the interactions between changes in natural systems and a diverse range of community responses. The module is taught using the “flipped classroom” format meaning that you will watch recorded lectures in advance so that our face-to-face contact time can be dedicated to group discussion and reflection.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Apply relevant academic concepts and frameworks to real-world challenges of climate (in)justice.
2. Analyse justice as a factor impacting decisions relating to tackling climate change, drawing upon a wide range of evidence.
3. Devise evidence-based and solidarity-focused arguments to advance climate justice.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1.Systems thinking (sustainability). Recognising and understanding relationships; analysing complex environmental, social and economic systems.
2. Integrated problem solving (sustainability). Applying different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems; developing viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilising appropriate competencies to solve problems; developing innovative and creative solutions.
3. Ethical literacies (sustainability, enterprise). Identifying ethical questions and applying relevant frameworks to evaluate the justice implications of actions and decisions. Developing and applying a breadth of knowledge to assess the consequences and impact of ideas, opportunities and actions.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Seminars | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Seminars | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Practicals | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 7 | ||
| Private study hours | 121.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided in seminars throughout the module. Students will be encouraged and supported throughout the semester to develop different elements required by the strategy report (e.g. a vision for change, a simple stakeholder map) and to share these in seminars in order to receive formative feedback from staff and peers.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 08/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team