Advances in Political Ecology theory

This was the first Specialized Intensive Course of the network and the first gathering of the recruited Entitle fellows. It was held on February 18-22, 2013 and was hosted by the Society and Environment Research Group of the Department of Geography in the University of Manchester. The course was designed as an intensive introductory crash course on political ecology with the aim of: engaging theoretical frameworks and conceptual approaches within the field of political ecology; facilitating the critical application of these frameworks and approaches to research projects led by the Fellows.

Lectures by Manchester faculty Gavin Bridge, Erik Swyngedouw and Maria Kaika introduced the fellows to the latest theories concerning extraction, cities and the meaning of the “political” in political ecology. King’s University-based Alex Loftus presented his latest book and his engagement in empirical work with classic critical theorists. Fellows had the first opportunity to present to one another their research projects and receive feedback as well as to meet activist researchers and learn about the ways they use science and tensions in their engagement with academics.