Gwybodaeth am Fodiwlau

Module Identifier
IP32320
Module Title
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
Academic Year
2026/2027
Co-ordinator
Dr Hannah Hughes
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Briefing  Briefing and negotiation mandate 1250 Words  30%
Semester Assessment Final report  Report and reflection on science-policy relations in climate governance in theory and as informed by the simulation experience. 2000 Words  50%
Semester Assessment 6 Hours   Negotiation skills  Skills demonstrated in simulation  20%
Supplementary Assessment Final report  Report and reflection on science-policy relations in climate governance in theory and as informed by the simulation experience. 2000 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Report in lieu of negotiations  750 Words  20%
Supplementary Assessment Briefing  Briefing and negotiation mandate 1250 Words  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the dynamics of climate politics and decision making.

Demonstrate an understanding of how governmental actors, public institutions and social movements contribute to and shape climate governance processes

Demonstrate an understanding of how science can influence climate governance.

Demonstrate module acquired communication and negotiating skills and ability to apply these in different contexts

Demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate different positions on an issue both orally and in writing.

Demonstrate independent research skills, including the ability to source and use primary documents and reference these appropriately within presentation, discussion and written work.

Describe and analyse the major organisations and policies in the field of climate governance.

Discuss and describe the central challenges facing climate governance, currently and in the future.

Brief description

This module aims to provide students with practical and grounded experience of thecpolitics, negotiation and decision-makingcprocesses of climate governance. It will offer insight into how government and other actors interact and the impact that science and politics have on global climate action.
The module will based on a specific climate change scenario that requires the negotiation of a collective outcome. Based on their academic studies and interests, students will be assigned to teams. These teams will then be provided with supporting briefing material, reading lists and general objectives to be pursued during the scenario. Their task will then be, over the course of the module, to act within their roles in simulated climate governance negotiations and decision-making.
A final day long ‘summit’, will be held to conclude negotiations where the students will seek to find consensus to produce a collective outcome.

Content

The simulation module will work on the following structure:
- Introductory lecture focusing on climate governance in general and also the specific scenario selected by the module convenor, which will be based on a contemporary climate change challenge.
- Students will be divided into negotiating teams in groups of 3-4 members.
- During the remainder of the module students prepare for, and participate in, formal meetings where the issues arising from the scenario will be debated with the aim of agreeing specific negotiated outcomes.
Students will be required to:
- Research background information on specific interests they represent
- Prepare positions to inform the negotiation scenario
- Communicate and negotiate with other teams in order to agree joint positions and develop coalitions
- Draft submissions for adoption during plenary session
- Negotiate a final agreement within the parameters set by particular interests and possibilities for compromise.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; producing written assignments that require student to develop and demonstrate independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The need to research and prepare for formal meetings will also enable students to formulate strategies for resolving a range of policy problems.
Co-ordinating with others Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing, as well as how to communicate in order to acquire bargaining advantage. They will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct in their statements
Creative Problem Solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; producing written assignments require student to develop and demonstrate independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The need to research and prepare for formal meetings will also enable students to formulate strategies for resolving a range of policy problems and attempt to put these strategies into practice during the simulation and adapting these to the circumstances.
Professional communication Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing, as well as how to communicate in order to acquire bargaining advantage. They will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6