F1ES 4205 - Critical Political Ecology of Desalination.

This course critically examines desalination as a technological, social, and political process within the broader framework of political ecology. Students will explore how desalination intersects with issues of power, inequality, environmental sustainability, and resource governance.

• Explore the fundamental scientific principles and technological advancements behind desalination processes.
• Introduce students to the Critical political ecology framework.
• Adopt an active and research-based learning approach, through case studies and a 4-hour simulation exercise.

• Background in Environmental Studies or Social Sciences
• Coursework in Environmental Studies or Geography: A basic understanding of environmental issues, especially water scarcity, environmental justice, and sustainability.
• Introduction to Political Ecology or Environmental Politics: Familiarity with political ecology theories, which emphasize the relationships between power, society, and the environment, particularly in resource management would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Water Resources and Management
• Basic Environmental Science: Understanding water systems, hydrology, and the challenges posed by water scarcity.
• Water Governance and Policy: Knowledge of water management practices, including traditional and alternative approaches to water sourcing, such as desalination, water recycling, and conservation strategies would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Political Economy and Development Studies
• Environmental Politics: Awareness of how environmental issues are influenced by politics, economics, and social power dynamics. Familiarity with topics like resource distribution, political resistance, and environmental justice would be an asset.
• Global Development Studies: Understanding the complexities of development, including the role of infrastructure projects (such as desalination plants) in global South and North contexts.
• Critical Thinking and Engagement with Current Environmental Debates
• Debate and Discussion Skills: Ability to critically analyze and engage with complex issues in environmental governance, especially in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Ethics and Sustainability: Familiarity with debates around sustainable development and ethical considerations in environmental decision-making.
• Interest in active learning models, incl. simulation exercises and role-playing
• Experience in Simulation Exercises: While not strictly required, prior experience with role-playing or simulations would be helpful, especially in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Teamwork and Negotiation Skills: Comfort with group work, negotiation, and collaboration within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.

Assessment:

The final course grade will be composed of :

• In-class group exposé on an assigned case study 40%
• In-class participation 10%
• 4-hour simulation exercise 50%
• Individual Actor sheet 30%
• Performance 20%