Module Title
Economic Contexts of Energy
Keywords
Oil and gas industry, development, unconventional energy, peak oil, climate change, emissions trading markets |
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Prerequisites for Module
None in addition to course requirements or equivalent.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
This module explores the wide-ranging economic issues associated with the production, distribution, exchange and consumption of fossil fuels and other energy sources. A range of practices and issues will be addressed with a key focus upon the central challenges facing energy companies, states, global institutions and individuals.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Understand critically the economic contexts and impacts of conventional oil and gas in terms of production and exchange.
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| 2. |
Evaluate critically the problems, opportunities and contestations involved in the production of unconventional energy.
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| 3. |
Analyze critically the economic challenge of, and responses to, anthropogenic climate change.
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Indicative Module Content
History and structure of the oil and gas industry
Economic development and the problem of the 'resource curse'
Historical and contemporary debates on peak oil
Economic issues challenges in biofuels development
Economic costs and benefits of shale gas and hydraulic fracturing
Economic costs and challenges in off-shore decommissioning
Pollution externalities and climate change as market failure
| Institutionalization of carbon emissions trading markets
Fuel poverty policy within Scotland and the UK
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Distance Learning | Lectures
| 12 | 0 | Online discussions
| 12 | 12 | Seminars
| 12 | 12 |
Directed Study
| | |
| 36 | 48 |
Private Study
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| 78 | 78 |
Mode of Delivery
A combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, directed online learning, directed reading, preparatory work and private study, as appropriate to the student’s chosen mode of attendance.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,3
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Component 1 will be assessed by written coursework.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | AGYEMAN, J., 2013. Introducing just sustainabilities: policy planning and practice. Zed Books.
| | 2. | COLLIER, P., 2008. The bottom billion: why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it. Oxford University Press
| | 3. | RIST, G., 2014. The history of development: from western origins to global faith. Zed Books.
| | 4. | ROSS, M., 2012. The oil curse: how petroleum wealth shapes the development of nations. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
| | 5. | URRY, J., 2013. Societies beyond oil: oil dregs and social futures. Zed Books.
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