121-028 Sustainable Development

Formerly available as 121-303. Students who have completed 121-303 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 25 points of first-year geography or the approval of the subject coordinator.

The term 'sustainable development' is widely recognised but little understood, with over 50 definitions reflecting the different understandings of environmental theorists and practitioners. This subject discusses and interprets these key cultural, political and philosophical differences, both in concept and practice. Students will explore global, developed and developing world examples of sustainable development, examining case histories relating to climate change and ozone depletion, fisheries and tropical forest management, population growth and biodiversity preservation. On completion of the subject students should be able to use these cases to illuminate underlying ecological, economic, and social issues associated with different practices of environmental management and have a working understanding of the national and international dimensions of ecological governance.

Tutorial attendance 5%, an oral presentation of one tutorial paper 10% and a 3000 word essay 60% (to be completed during semester), and a take home examination of 1000 words 25% (at the end of semester). Each component of assessment must be completed for a student to be able to pass this subject.