Thinking Water (IL905)

Thinking Water IL905

An IATL interdisciplinary module

Module code

IL905-10 (10 CATS)

IL905-15 (15 CATS)

or IL905-20 (20 CATS)

Module convenor

Professor Jonathan Heron

Email:

Jonathan.Heron@warwick.ac.uk

When/where

Term 2 (Spring)

Friday 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

OC0.01

Assessment

50% Student Devised Assessment

50% Essay

What is the module about?

Issues related to water are among the main challenges of our time and innovative, interdisciplinary approaches may bring about possible solutions. Therefore, the main aim of this module is to present the topic of water in all its complexity and to get you involved at every stage of the learning process so you can discover, research and experiment with the potentials of a holistic and creative approach to the subject.

You will explore the effects of recent discoveries in water studies affecting our planet’s history, ecology and future. There will be presentation from Warwick academics and guest speakers from diverse perspectives, such as Life Sciences, Philosophy and the Arts, which will enable you to learn more about the water ecosystem.

Furthermore, you will be able to identify and study the central role of water in society, relating to issues of gender, sustainability and governance, as well as the ways in which the organisation of our cities and political systems can affect life on earth. The module will consider the relationship between culture, environment and water as well as issues of social justice and community identity. You can also reflect on the ways in which water is managed and utilised on campus and in the local area.

waterfall down a mountain with a grey bridge

What will the module cover?

The module will consist of ten two-hour sessions. The core design is that each week the module leader and subject specialists will deliver a combination disciplinary or applied material and then the group (facilitated by the module leader) will develop their learning in an interdisciplinary way. This will help you to explore and deepen your knowledge of each week’s content and materials. Active learning methods (i.e. Team-based Learning; Open-space Learning; Problem-based learning) will be implemented in order to heighten student engagement and deepen understanding of each topic.

Indicative syllabus (subject to change):

Water as a global challenge
Water and governance
Philosophy of water
Water and ecosystems
Water on campus
Marine arts

How will I be assessed?

For 10 CATS
50% Essay 1000 words
50% Student Devised Assessment

For 15 CATS
50% Essay 1500 words
50% Student Devised Assessment

For 20 CATS
50% Essay 2000 words
50% Student Devised Assessment

For additional information on Student Devised Assessments, see our video "Demystifying IATL's Student Devised AssessmentsLink opens in a new window".

What skills will I develop?

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

Understand the effects of scientific discoveries in the field of water on our planet’s history, ecology and future.
Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge and understanding of disciplinary theories, positions and research themes related to the field of water.
Understand the importance of a global, significant and different approach to issues pertaining to water based on dialogue across the boundary.
Summarise their multidisciplinary learning into a global approach to water related issues and problems (= interdisciplinarity), developing their own research in a holistic way that crosses disciplinary boundaries (= transdisciplinarity).
Understand how to apply this more systematic and global approach to problems in order improve their own learning and investigative practices both in and beyond academic disciplinary studies.
Effectively work on independent and collaborative projects.

Learning outcomes

See module catalogue. Select:

IL905-10Link opens in a new window

IL905-15Link opens in a new window

IL905-20Link opens in a new window

How to register

Complete our online form to request your place.

Once IATL have confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.

Find out how this module relates to IATL strategy

Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL)