KE6017 - Development and Disasters

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the relationships between development and disasters and will be able to analyse and respond to environmental catastrophes impacting on society through knowledge gained about their physical environmental, social, political and economic contexts. The way that disasters can be prevented, and their impact on people reduced, gives an applied focus to this module. The module will address the challenges and solutions prevalent in policy and practice within the development and disaster reduction sector. The module will teach that although hazards (including earthquakes, landslides and floods) and disasters impact society, they can be offset by individuals, groups, institutions and organisations through disaster management. You will learn about dominant paradigms and debates within the field of disaster studies, approaches to disaster management including mitigation and preparedness, and disaster response and recovery. Examples will demonstrate the application of theory to practice in both the economically wealthy and poorer parts of the world. The module will take an interdisciplinary perspective making it suitable for those progressing from, or interested in pursuing, physical environmental, economic or social aspects of development and disaster intervention. The knowledge and skills learnt can be readily applied to careers relating to this field.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through weekly lectures and seminars. Many of the topics covered will be directly informed by the research of staff members teaching on the module and their direct engagement in the field in different parts of the world. Where possible, the module will reflect on current or recent disaster events, bringing these events into conversation with theory and practice. Assignment work will allow you to explore environmental hazards and the social, political and economic aspects of the development and disaster relationship. Through the module, you will develop your critical reading, analysis and writing skills, along with report writing and formatting skills.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Lecture slides and reading material will be made available in advance of taught sessions. Teaching staff will be available outside of taught classes to discuss ideas and to support your learning. The module will typically involve external representatives from the world of development and disasters to bring insight into the sector. Support with the two assignments will include seminars and drop-in sessions with the module tutor to discuss your ideas and essay/report plans, with timely feedback provided on assessment 1 to inform your submission for assessment 2. Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and to support your learning on the module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Critically evaluate the relationship between development and disasters in their physical environmental, economic, social and political contexts.
• MLO 2: Critically assess the need for, and identify potential pathways to, new ways of interpreting environment and development related crises and their management.
• MLO 3: Identify and critique the ways that disasters are being prevented and their impact on people reduced.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 4: Review and apply critical appraisal of current crises based on current theoretical, policy and practice endeavours in the field.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Demonstrate critical awareness of interrelated development and disaster threats alongside people-centred and institutional approaches to disaster reduction in a burgeoning sector.

How will I be assessed?

There are two assessments for this module. These are individual pieces of work.

MLO 1, 2, 4, 5: Short Essay (50%)
MLO 3, 4, 5: Short Report (50%)

Formative feedback will be provided on the essay through individually orientated written comments on assignment scripts and through group feedback during one of the contact sessions following submission.

Formative feedback on drafting of the report will be provided during the preparation weeks prior to its submission based on group discussion during one of the scheduled contact sessions. Assessment feedback will be provided subsequently through written comments to individuals on assignment scripts.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

With the number of disasters increasing globally, this module applies sustainable development and disaster reduction concepts to environmental and other major catastrophes with the aim of improving disaster prevention and response. Whilst hazards and disasters have societal impacts, people and organisations engage disaster management and resilience building to reduce disaster risk. Module content is informed by the development and disaster sector, and through Northumbria’s work in this area through the Centre for Global Development, with case studies from a range of socio-economic contexts worldwide. Topics covered include social vulnerability and resilience to disasters, approaches to disaster risk management, disaster mitigation and preparedness, and disaster response and recovery. The module takes an interdisciplinary approach and is suitable for those interested in physical environmental, economic, social and/or behavioural aspects of development and disasters. The module is structured around a series of lectures and seminars. Assignments are discussed in class and comprise an essay and a report, with the opportunity to apply perspectives from across human, environmental and physical geography.

Course info

UCAS Code F751

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Geography and Natural Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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