Gender, Environment and Poverty in the Era of Sustainable Development ENV Fall 2016 Instructor: Ukueva Nurgul, PhD & Elena Kim, PhD Office: 215, 310 Office phone: 915000 + 432 (Еxt.) Email: ukueva_n@auca.kg; kim_el@ auca.kg Course language: English Classes: Lectures Mon 14:10-15:25; Seminars Thurs/Fri 14:10-15:25. Consultations: by appointment Prerequisites: none Number of credits: 6 Course Status: elective COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to provide an introduction and solid understanding of gender and environmental issues. It explores the relationships between gender and the environment in the region and beyond. We will examine the rapidly changing ideas and practices about environmental degradation and climate change and impact of environmental destruction on women and men. We will analyze gender in terms of resource control and allocation, management and control. Integrating gender issues into policy and programs will be part of the course as well. The objectives of the course are to:
Introduce the basic concepts and fundamental issues in environmental and gender studies that are needed to understand current debates on gender and environment; Promote discussion on gender and environment among people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines; Acquaint students with different frameworks used in gender and environmental studies; Teach students to critically assess the underlying assumptions of contemporary theory and discourse on the environment, on sustainability, and on gender relations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course students will be able to: 1. Understand the importance of “gender” as a variable for promoting sustainable development and environment 2. Understand gender roles in environmental management and use 3. Critically analyze and critique examine why it is important to incorporate gender considerations into the design and implementation of environmental policy. 4. Be able to demonstrate new skills in research, analysis, policy action, leadership, and public engagement. TEACHING METHODOLOGY The course is based upon interactive, practice-based pedagogy. Theoretical material will be supplemented with case studies, video materials, guest lectures, field visits, etc. COURSE STRUCTURE Each week of the course will be topical. First class each week will be a lecture, video or guest lecture. Second class each week will be an interactive class consisting of each using different methods of learning and discussion. Students will be expected to have read materials before the class. It is VERY important that students complete the reading for each day on the course schedule BEFORE they come to
class that day. The most important goal for the class is for you to have fun while learning lots about psychology. But to do this, students will have to stay on top of the reading. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: 1. Silliman, Jael and Ynestra King, eds. Dangerous Intersections: Feminist Perspectives on Population, Environment and Development. 2. Vandana, S. (1989). Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development. London: Zed Books. 3. Alphonso, M. (2006). “WID, WAD, WED, GAD: An Overview.” RECOMMENDED READINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Adaptation to climate change in the developing world, W. N. Adger et al. 2003 Sustainable livelihoods: Lessons from early experience. C. Ashley & D. Carney 1999 Double exposure in Mozambique’s Limpopo River Basin, Silva et al. 2010 Global poverty and climate change: towards the responsibility protect. St. Clair 2008 Development and Climate Change, WB report 2010
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: EXAMS: There will be 2 exams, midterm and final. The format of the exams will be multiple choice and short answers. Exams will not be cumulative and cover both the assigned chapters in your text and material discussed in lectures. MAKE UP for exam is possible. Extra credit can be earned throughout the course after an individual consultation with instructor. INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS: During the semester, each of the students will do one individual project assignments. The course will require each student to prepare a small project which will illustrate their understanding about the linkages of gender, environment and poverty. Projects may focus on the following, but not restricted to:
Small research study Documentary film Photo exhibition Policy brief Program proposal Web-resource Other
Grading criteria for individual projects will include: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Relevance to the course Creativity Demonstration of good understanding of inter-linkages between gender and environment Has a policy component (advocacy, lobby, etc.)
GRADING SYSTEM 1. Midterm exam 2. Final exam 3. Project 4. In-class participation TOTAL
30% 30% 30% 10% 100%
GRADING SYSTEM 95-100% 90-94 % 88-89 % 84-87 % 80-83 % 78-79 %
A AB+ B BC+
CLASS SCHEDULE: Week Week 1
Week 2
74-77 % 70-73 % 68 - 69 % 64 - 67 % 60- 63 % 0-59 %
Topic
C CD+ D DF
Readings
Introduction to the course requirements Overview of trends: Women in development/gender and development The Concept of Gender: Constructions and Implications
Week 3
The political ecology of women’s activism: Women and environment in development
Week 4
Women in sustainable development processes and policies
Week 5 Week 6
Gender issues in agriculture, food security, and livelihoods Gender, biodiversity, deforestation and pollution
Week 7
Gender and natural resources management
Week 8
Midterm exam
Week 10
Women and climate change
Week 11
Gender and disasters
Week 12
Field visits
Week 13
Field visits
Week 14
Individual projects’ presentations
Week 15
Individual projects’ presentations
Week 16
Final exam
Guest lecture by Zulfia Kochorbaeva, Innovative Solution, Bishkek