Graduate
This is information from a past (2023) course.
The URLs, account and classroom informations have been removed to prevent the leakage of internal information for online classes.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Theory of Normativity in Global Society III
Earth System Governance
This course examines the issues, actors and processes that shape environmental governance at the transnational and global scales. Interactive lectures on the global environmental policy process introduce different scholarly perspectives informing recent and current research, with an emphasis on Earth System Governance (main theoretical debates, conceptual innovations and empirical findings). Through classroom discussions based upon pre-assigned readings and the elaboration of a joint mini-project, students further explore a variety of regulatory frameworks, decision-making processes, institutional arrangements, and mechanisms, at the interface of science, policy and law. In so doing, they engage in a critical examination of the relevance and legitimacy of these emerging forms of governance in an era of anthropocenic planetary transformation and disruption.
Code
Course title
Lecturer
Semester
Period
31M350-0340A
Theory of Normativity in Global Society III
GIRAUDOU Isabelle
Fri 2nd
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Language
English
Credit
2
Lecturers with practical experience
NO
Other Faculty
YES
Course Offered by
Arts and Sciences
Schedule
WEEK 1: Introductory lecture and guidance (basic notions, terminology, course plan, learning methods, readings and other sources’ overview).
WEEKS 2/3: Earth System Governance: concepts, methods, empirical findings
WEEKS 4/5: Governing the climate-energy nexus: Institutional complexity and its challenges to effectiveness and legitimacy
WEEKS 6/7: Cities and the politics of global urban climate governance
WEEKS 8/9: Transnational environmental governance and the certification of forests and fisheries
WEEKS 10/11: Access and allocation in food governance
WEEK 12: Reflective governance for public global goods
WEEK 13: Mini-project (team-based oral presentations)
Teaching Methods
This course is conducted in the active learning style. Classes consist of interactive lectures, followed by both group and classroom discussions addressing broad concepts and/or focusing on case studies. These discussions are usually based on pre-assigned readings and build on a list of questions proposed in advance. Students further engage in critical and reflective thinking through the preparation of a final mini-project.
Method of Evaluation
o Active participation in group and classroom discussions: 30%.
o Four 600-word write-ups: 30%.
o Final mini-project (joint oral presentation + individual 1200-word essay): 40%.
Required Textbook
Will not use textbook.
Reference Books
Will not use reference book.
Notes on Taking the Course
No prior study of environmental studies is required, but a strong interest and a serious commitment to learning about environmental issues from a cross-disciplinary perspective is essential. This class is conducted in the active learning style, and constructive participation by students is highly recommended.
Class materials and regular updates are available on Google Classroom. Please self-enroll on ITC-LMS, then register on Google Classroom.
