ENSAE Paris - École d'ingénieurs pour l'économie, la data science, la finance et l'actuariat
ENSAE Paris - École d'ingénieurs pour l'économie, la data science, la finance et l'actuariat
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Environmental Social Sciences

ECTS:
1.5

Course Hours:
12

Tutorials Hours:
0

Language:
French

Examination Modality:
écrit+CC

Objective

The aim of this course is to shed light on the social dimensions of ecological issues. Combining presentations by the two instructors with guest lectures followed by discussions, the sessions aim to introduce students to the issues driving public debate on climate change: humanity’s relationship with nature, political and economic systems, social and economic inequalities, and public policy.

Following an introductory session on the current state of knowledge about global warming and the contribution of the social sciences to its study, the course will continue with lectures on specific topics given by specialists from various disciplines (anthropology, sociology, economics, geography). The objective is to understand the complex and cross-disciplinary nature of ecological issues and the short- and medium-term challenges they pose to our societies. Each session will draw on empirical research and include a discussion.

Assessment – Final Written Examination:

  • Format: Choose and answer one of two general questions.

  • Source of the questions: Each question will focus on one of the seven guest lectures (Sessions 2 to 8).

  • Expectations:

    • Use of the mandatory readings assigned for each session.

    • Ability to synthesize the theoretical issues and empirical evidence presented by the speakers.

Planning

Course Schedule 2025–26

  1. The Social Dimensions of Global Warming (Ivaylo Petev)

  2. Discursive Frameworks of Climate Change (Samuel Coavoux)

  3. Social Movements and Climate (Samuel Coavoux)

  4. The Ecological Conversion of the French Population (Philippe Coulangeon)

  5. Cancelled session: Environmental and Climate Justice: Inequalities in Exposure (Samuel Rufat)

  6. Imagining the Future and Projecting Oneself into One’s Own Future in the Midst of Ecological Upheavals (Tomas Legon)

  7. The Limits of Individual Action in the Face of the Climate Emergency (Ivaylo Petev)

  8. Environmental and Climate Justice: Definitions and Current State of Affairs through the Case of Local Pollution (Marion Leroutier)

References

Pour plus d'information: ssenvir.ipetev.org/home

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