ENVS 131B: The Political Economy of Global Climate GovernanceInstructor: Claudia Horn Prerequisites: None Course Description: This course tackles some of the most pressing questions of our time: How do we steer our societies away from unsustainable fossil fuels and towards green, just, and inclusive futures? How much climate finance is necessary? How can developing countries in the Global South confront climate change while burdened with public debt? What are Public-Private Partnerships, and do they truly offer the win-win solution that policymakers claim? In this course, students will explore the key mechanisms and debates in global climate governance, exploring these questions and their political and socioenvironmental justice dimensions. Drawing on sociological and political economy concepts, we will discuss the roles of market, state, financial institutions, corporations, and civil society actors in climate governance, which is embedded in power dynamics, colonialism, and inequalities. The course is organized around key proposals and illustrative case studies–featuring the green economy, Green New Deal, Just Transition, ecofeminism, and eco-socialism–from the perspective of policymakers, workers, and socioenvironmental movements in the Global North and South. We will examine socioenvironmental challenges in the US, Europe, and Latin America, including case studies on food security, natural resource management, sustainable transport, and energy transition, amongst others. Joining this course does not require prior economic knowledge. Collaborative critical reading, simulation, and research activities will equip students to critically analyze and develop strategies for climate finance, engagement, and leadership. Session: Extended Day: Online Time: Asynchronous Credit Hours: 4 Credits Course Format: 10-week Asynchronous Online format Brandeis Graduation Requirement Fulfilled: DJW, SS Enrollment Limit: 15 students Course Classification: Undergraduate Level Course Course Tuition: $3,700 Course Fees: None Open to High School Students: No |
