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 and 121-021 Environmental Politics and Management 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.

• be capable of thinking critically about issues relating to Australian environmental politics and management;

• be capable of developing a conceptual framework appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

• have learnt research skills appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

• be capable of writing coherent and well-researched essays;

• be capable of engaging in effective oral presentations.

Written work totalling 4000 word comprising an oral presentation of a tutorial paper 10% (during the semester), an essay of 3000 words 60% (due during semester), a take-home examination of 1000 words 25% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial attendance 5%. Each component of assessment must be completed for a student to be able to pass this subject.