GEOG 5013EX - Communication & Evaluation of Climate Adaptation

External - Semester 1 - 2014

Developing communications strategies is a critical component of the adaptation debate. This will enhance the uptake of adaptation and acceptance of the need for mitigation. In this unit students will learn why communicating climate change is difficult, and using case studies be able to describe the communication process, how to relate to target audiences, the key communication issues finally how to implement a 6 step process to writing a communications plan. Finally, knowing whether or not your chosen adaptation option is working, the communications program needs to need include an evaluation component. This unit will provide students with some evaluation techniques.

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Course Details

Course Code	GEOG 5013EX
Course	Communication & Evaluation of Climate Adaptation
Coordinating Unit	Geography, Environment and Population
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	External
Units	3
Contact	Participation in the set online tutorials, 3 hours per week of self-directed study, 3 hours per week of research and assignment preparation
Prerequisites	A Bachelor degree or equivalent demonstrated skills as endorsed by the Head of School
Assessment	Critical review of communication strategy:15%, completion of online assessments and activities, such as quizzes etc: 40%, participation, such as in online class room, blogs, discussion board etc: 10%, completion of communications plan: 35%

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Exhibit an understanding of what constitutes a strategic issue

2. Relate their understanding of what constitutes a strategic issue to their workplace.

3. Demonstrate understanding of a strategic communication plan by applying the skills developed to their own workplace.

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. 3
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1, 2, 3,
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	3
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	2, 3
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 2, 3
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1, 2, 3
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1, 2, 3
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	2

Learning Resources

Required Resources

There is no formal requirement to purchase any particular text and a full suite of resources will be available to you on MYUNI under the readings folders each week.

Recommended Resources

As this area is very dynamic, we will upload each semester a suite of supporting and relevant resources.

Online Learning

This course is 100% online. Students will be given opportunities to contact staff and other students via blogs, post, and wiki activities. Students will have a skype or phone tutorial at least once each semester.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course is 100% online. Students will be given opportunities to contact staff and other students via blogs, post, and wiki activities. Students will have a skype of phone tutorial at least once each semester.

Workload

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

This is a 100% online course, so there are no prescribed workload activities per se, as the course is based on independent learning methods. However, it is assumed that students will spend the equivalent of the following:

3 hours a week @ 14 weeks doing the online activities: 42 hours

4 hours a week @ 14 weeks reading : 56 hours

2 hours a week @ 12 weeks completing assessments: 24 hours

2 hours a week doing @ 12 weeks research for the major assignments: 24 hours

4 hours tutorial preparation and presentation: 4 hours

Total: 150 hours

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1: Introductory readings and ppts

Week 2: Framing the debate

Week 3: Why is it so hard to communicate science?

Week 4: Trust

Week 5: Knowing the process, doing the research

Week 6: Work on communications flyer

Week 7: Developing a climate communications plan

Week 8: Developing a climate communications plan

Week 9: Evaluation options

Week 10: Evaluation options

Week 11: Evaluation in practice

Week 12: 14: Final assessment preparation

Specific Course Requirements

Students must have access to a computer to complete this course

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

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

Assessment Summary

Critical Reflection essay: 15%

Study guide assessments: 30%

Production of a communications flyer: 10%

Presentation of a communication plan via tutorial: 15%

Attendance and participation in one interactive tutorials/webinar: 10%

Production of evaluation strategy: 20%

Total: 100%

Assessment Related Requirements

Students must have a computer or access to a computer to complete assessments

Assessment Detail

Completion of critical reflection essay:

In a short essay (3 pages maximum) and using literature, existing communication plans and case study examples, discuss the difference between communicating climate change and communicating climate change adaptation.

Communications flyer

Students must present a flyer communicating an adaptation issue to a target stakeholder

Presentation of communications plan via one structured tutorial

Students will prepare a communicatison plan based on set scenarios, and will present this to the coordinator via webinar or skype.

Completion of online assessments and activities:

As this unit is online, students will be undertaking a series of interactive exercises that act both as learning activities as well as constituting the assessment activities.

Submission

Students will be given submission dates at the commencement of each semester

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
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator