Twenty-five years on from the first call for sustainable development, we are still struggling with fundamental questions surrounding what it is, how we can usefully characterise it and, most importantly, how to actually achieve it. In this course we critically examine the concept of sustainable development, explore its history, and analyse the present-day challenges it presents. Drawing on international case studies in both developed and developing countries, as well as global initiatives, we investigate the goals of sustainability as they relate to environmental, social and economic goals.
Students are introduced to a range of viewpoints, theories and frameworks useful for thinking about and understanding social and environmental change in the context of sustainable development. We explore a range of contemporary sustainability issues, at local, national and global scales. Using case studies and problem-based learning, students draw connections and apply concepts and techniques that may help inform practical solutions and shape our collective future.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe an advanced understanding of the current principles and practice of sustainable development as it is manifested at local, national and global levels.
- Recognise, understand and explain the complexity of linkages between drivers, pressures, impacts and responses for contemporary sustainable development challenges, and critically evaluate related interventions.
- Draw on current theories and science to anticipate future trajectories and apply recognised principles to guide sustainable development decision-making.
- Apply sophisticated research, writing and presentation skills to complex issues
Other Information
If you do not meet the requisites for this course, it may be possible to receive a permission code. If you are prompted for a permission code on ISIS, please request one online via the following form.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly quiz relating to reading material (10) [LO 1,3,4]
- Individual written critical analysis report applying a theoretical framework to a provided case study (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Personal reflection linking sustainable development theory, practice, and lived experience (20) [LO 1,2,4]
- Essay on principles of sustainable development as they apply to the final case study (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 2 hour tutorial (commencing week 2 ) per week.
- Approximately 84 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards activities and discussions in both lectures and tutorials.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed text is allocated. Please refer to the course WATTLE site for readings.
Assumed Knowledge
Areas of Interest
- Geography
- Human Ecology
- Interdisciplinary Studies - Sustainability
- Resource Management and Environmental Science
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Human Sciences
- Population Studies
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8808 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |