GEOG 2141EX - Environment and Development

External - Semester 1 - 2015

This course examines the interface between development and environmental issues in a global context. The theoretical and material linkages between environment and development processes and the multiple dimensions of sustainability and their conflicts and contradictions, are discussed. This is done within the framework of analysing the discourse for sustainable development, which has emerged on the international political agenda as the dominant approach for reconciling the goals of economic development, environmental quality and social equity. The course is divided into two parts. The first part of the course focuses on the different theoretical perspectives of development and environment and the various debates on how to achieve sustainability of development and environment. This part explores whether the goals of ecological sustainability and the sustainability of economic growth can be achieved together, and how global capitalism, poverty and ecological issues are interrelated. In the second part the course covers major environmental issues, such as climate change, water security, food security and biodiversity, health and urban sustainability within the context of saving the Earth from ecological collapse and bringing about sustainable futures for humanity.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOG 2141EX
    Course Environment and Development
    Coordinating Unit Geography, Environment and Population
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact online fortnightly tutorial, 6 hours per week of self-directed study; 6 hours research and assignment preparation
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites 12 units of level 1 Humanities and Social Sciences courses
    Assumed Knowledge Average computing skills
    Course Description This course examines the interface between development and environmental issues in a global context. The theoretical and material linkages between environment and development processes and the multiple dimensions of sustainability and their conflicts and contradictions, are discussed. This is done within the framework of analysing the discourse for sustainable development, which has emerged on the international political agenda as the dominant approach for reconciling the goals of economic development, environmental quality and social equity. The course is divided into two parts. The first part of the course focuses on the different theoretical perspectives of development and environment and the various debates on how to achieve sustainability of development and environment. This part explores whether the goals of ecological sustainability and the sustainability of economic growth can be achieved together, and how global capitalism, poverty and ecological issues are interrelated. In the second part the course covers major environmental issues, such as climate change, water security, food security and biodiversity, health and urban sustainability within the context of saving the Earth from ecological collapse and bringing about sustainable futures for humanity.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Thomas Wanner

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1 Comprehend the complexity and various formsand dimensions of development and environment issues
    2 Distinguish the multiple dimensions ofsustainability and the linkages between them, and how these dimensions informpolicy processes and outcomes
    3 Discuss the history, usefulness andeffectiveness of the concept of sustainable development
    4 Understand how global capitalism and economicprocesses shape environmental change and policies
    5 Critically assess the politics ofsustainability and the various theoretical perspectives of development andenvironment
    6 Communicate effectively about ideas andissues of development and environment in a variety of multimedia settings andthrough a variety of multimedia technologies
    7 Conduct effective online group work andresearch about a sustainable development case study
    8 Apply research, analytical and criticalthinking skills to specific sustainable development problems
    9 Apply multimedia technologies for theresearch, presentation and analysis of sustainability issues
    10 Create e-book about environment and development in a transnational intercultural project
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 7, 8,
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 7-9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 3, 6, 9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 9
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 6, 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    1. Students require a headset with microphone for the synchronous online classrooms.

    2. Students will need the following to access MyUni and other online sites:

    a computer with an Internet connection;

    a PC running Windows 95 or higher or a Mac running Mac OS 8.6 or higher;

    a JavaScript enabled web browser (Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher);

    the Adobe Reader software

    University of Adelaide username and password. 


     

    Recommended Resources
    The following readings are recommended as introductory readings for sustainable development:


    Adams, W.M. (2002). ‘Sustainable Development?’. In Johnston, R.J., Taylor, P.J., and Watts, M. Geographies of Global Change: remapping the world. 2nd edition, pp. 412-426.

    Atkinson, G., Dietz, S., and Neumayer, E. (eds.) (2007). Handbook of Sustainable Development. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

    Baker, S. (2006). Sustainable Development. London: Routledge.

    Beder, Sharon (2003). The Nature of Sustainable Development. Newham, Australia: Scribe Publications.

    Elliott, J.A. (2006). An Introduction to Sustainable Development. 3rd edition. London: Routledge.

    Kates, R.W., Parris, T. and Leiserowitz, A.A. (2005). ‘What is sustainable development? Goals, indicators, values and practice.’ Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 47(3): 8-21.

    McManus, P. (2000). ‘Sustainable development.’ In Johnston, R.J., Gregory, D, Pratt, G. and Watts, M. (eds.). The Dictionary of Human Geography. 4th edition. Oxford: Blackwell. McManus, P. (2000). ‘Sustainable development.’ In Johnston, R.J., Gregory, D, Pratt, G. and Watts, M. (eds.). The Dictionary of Human Geography. 4th edition. Oxford: Blackwell.

    Purvis, M. and Grainger, A. (eds.) (2004). Exploring Sustainable Development: Geographical Perspectives. London: Earthscan.

    World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). Our Common Future. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Brundtland Report]
    Online Learning

    MyUni is the main site through which this online course is being taught. There will also be other external websites and technologies (eg Google+).
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The teaching in this course is based on student-centred learning principles and strategies.  It is an online course with strong emphasis on interactive and collaborative student learning. A range of online learning and teaching methods are employed to involve and integrate the students in the learning process, and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge of the topic. Peer-assisted learning is a strong pedagogical principle in the course. The course is based on flexible assessment principles in which there are a variety of assessments and is based overall on self-paced working on assessment.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    WORKLOAD TOTAL HOURS
    1 X 1 hour online classroom per fortnight 6 hours per semester
    4 hours online activities per week 48 hours per semester
    4 hours of reading and reseacher per week 48 hours per semester
    3 hours assignment preparation per week 36 hours per semester
    1,5 hours online group interaction per week 18 hous per semester
    TOTAL = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary


    Week 1 Introduction: Environment and Development

    Week 2 Social Theory: Environmentalism, Developmentalism, Political ecology

    Week 3 Conceptualisations of nature

    Week 4 History and Actors of ‘Sustainable Development’: Rio+20 summit on SD

    Week 5 Economic sustainability: green economy and green growth

    Week 6 Ecological sustainability: ecocentrism

    Week 7 Political sustainability: green citizenship, green state, green democracy

    Week 8 Cultural sustainability: gender, culture, knowledge

    Week 9 Social sustainability: community, poverty and social justice

    Week 10 Environmental Security, Justice and Ethics

    Week 11 Global Futures: science and technology, education

    Week 12 Global Futures, Review
    Specific Course Requirements
    To be able to pass this course students are required to submit all assessment pieces for marking.

    Participation in the online classroom and activities are compulsory.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Students work in groups to create an e-book about environment and development.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    1. Outline of online research project Formative

    end of Week 5

    10% 1, 2, 6
    2. Group research project Formative and summative negotiated 60% 1-10

    3. Online Learning Activities - Journal

    Summative negotiated 20% 6, 9
    4. Online participation Summative each week 10% 6, 8
    Assessment Related Requirements
    All assessment pieces need to do and submit all assessment pieces in order to be able to pass this course.

    Students have to submit their assignments on the due date. Penalties of 5% off the mark for each day late (including the weekend) will be applied for late submissions.
    Assessment Detail

    1. Outline of research project (10%) (500 words): students outline their research ideas, objectives and strategies for the group work project about environment and development

    2. Group Work Research Project (60%) (3,000 words): 
    2.1 Research project (30%): each student researches environment and development issues of a particular country of their choice. Formative assessment is built into assessment. Peer review of other research projects are also included.
    students create in groups an e-book about the environment and development issues of a particular country of their choice. Formative assessment is built into assessment (10% of the mark). Peer review of other research projects is also built into this assessment.
    2.2. Group work on e-book (30%): student work in an intercultural transnational collaboration and produce an e-book from research project.

    3. Online learning activities (20%) (1,000 words): student record in journal/blog their interactions and work on MyUni (discussion board postings, interactions through social media, reflections on group work).

    4. Online participation (10%) in synchronous classrooms and on discussion board

    Submission
    All assignment pieces are submitted on MyUni. TURNITIN is used to detect plagiarism.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.