This paper is a reflection on the advantages of using visual materials, especially films, and how to use them effectively for environmental studies in tertiary education from a political scientist’s viewpoint. Cinema has long been used for pedagogical purposes across social science disciplines, especially with the development of methodological innovations in visual materials for both teaching and research. In this conference paper, I mainly address the question: What are the main effectiveness and limitations of using films for pedagogical purposes? And, what innovative approaches can be employed to enhance such educational effectiveness? It focuses on using fiction films for political science classroom teaching by communicating the historical and conceptual evolution of environmentalism in the interdisciplinary arena of social sciences and environmental studies. Taking both environmental education in political science and cultural studies approaches, this research particularly employs Gramscian concepts of ‘cultures and knowledge’ and political anthropologists' concepts of ‘everyday politics’. Based on a typological analysis of selected environmental films, I mainly argue that the evolution of environmentalism as a socio-political ideology has been well-represented in cinema. Considering the nature of cinema as a powerful communication tool, well-designed class teaching using selected films may ensure the effectiveness of the interactive learning process. The final goal of the pedagogical use of eco-cinema in the disciplines such as political science and international relations is to contribute to nurturing environmental citizenship.

Authors:
JeongWon Bourdais Park, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China

About the Presenter(s)
Dr JeongWon BOURDAIS PARK holds a doctorate from the London School of Economic and Political Science, and is currently Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

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