91188 - Laboratories (Lab27)

Learning outcomes

The goal of the Workshop is to provide a conceptual framework relating to the field of study of 'political ecology'. Against this background, the subsequent aim is to critically assess some of the key questions raised by 'development' as a theoretical as well as practical category.

Course contents

The Workshop's goal is to provide thematic insights into a specific - and relational - focus: on the one hand, sociological approaches to development-related issues; on the other hand, political ecology as both a field of study and a critical inquiry related to the question concerning the environment.


The topics to be explored are linked to the contemporary debate and, consequently, can range considerably. Some issues at the centre of our interest will be:


the relationship between development dynamics and the biospheric crises;


reflections on the concept of ‘Pluriverse’;


the interactions between environmental policies and development agencies;


the links between labour mobilisations for health&safety and climate justice;


cultural representations (literary, cinematic, graphic) of the environment-development nexus.

Readings/Bibliography

The Workshop is based around the following text:

Pellizzoni, Luigi (ed.), Introduzione all'ecologia politica, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2023.

 

Other texts will be discussed throughout the meetings; amongst those:

Kothari, A.; Salleh, A.; Escobar, A.; Demaria, F. & Acosta, A. (a cura di), Pluriverso: Dizionario del post-sviluppo, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno, 2021.

Benegiamo M., La terra dentro il capitale. Conflitti, crisi ecologica e sviluppo nel delta del Senegal, Orthotes, Napoli-Salerno, 2021.

Fama M., Sviluppo. Teorie, problemi, prospettive, Mondadori, Milano, 2024.

Teaching methods

The Workshop is structured around 5 meetings of four hours each.

It integrates different teaching methods: frontal lessons; interactive lessons; watching, commenting and discussing films and documentaries; presentations and debates starting from the analysis of particular forms of mobilization. The course also includes the participation of scholars and experts in the field.

Assessment methods

The Workshop provides a qualification certificate, not an exam. This means there will be no grades.


The specific modalities of the evaluation will be discussed at the first meeting.

Teaching tools

documentaries and video clips

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Leonardi