As society grapples with the challenges of sustainability in the face of social, economic and environmental change, it is important that future leaders and decision makers are well informed about the most up-to-date, relevant research. In this course you will engage with experts undertaking leading-edge research on a range of current issues in sustainability and environment-society interactions, and will consider applications of this knowledge to future research directions, policy development and environmental and resource management. The application of this knowledge internationally and in Australia will be considered through the frameworks of the Millennium Development Goals (and their successors), the ‘safe and just living space for humanity’ concept, the UNEP Global Environment Outlook, and the Rio+20 The Future We Want outcomes including the emerging Sustainable Development Goals. The course also offers the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the implications of current research insights relevant to a particular issue of your choice. Examples of themes considered include:
- sustainability and sustainable development
- climate adaptation and mitigation policy
- consumption and behaviour
- disaster management
- environmental economics
- environmental humanities
- environmental policies and institutions
- global environmental governance and international trade law
- urbanisation and urban systems
The course is structured as a series of intensive, small-group discussions based on preparatory reading. These intensive discussions are led by experts in the field and focus on exploring the most up-to-date research and thinking on each theme from a variety of perspectives, with particular emphasis on relevance to your experience and professional interests. You are also expected to draw on the extensive and varied opportunities to learn from world-leading experts available at the Australian National University and across Canberra, by attending and reporting on relevant seminars, workshops and other forms of research communication external to the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify, explain and apply the theoretical foundations of a series of society-environment related issues.
- Critically explore the links within and between key themes and issues in sustainability and environment-society interactions.
- Discuss a variety of disciplinary perspectives on current issues, across political science, economics, law, human ecology and the humanities.
- Critically analyse and articulate the role of science in decision-making, including policy and practice.
- Interpret and communicate the implications of current research for decision-makers.
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
- Briefing report on engagement with research communication outside course contact hours (e.g. seminars attended) - 800 words (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Presentation and briefing note that critiques a policy or governance proposal (25) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research report on self-selected topic relevant to the themes of the course - 3000 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 1 x 4 hour seminar per week
- 12 hours of attendance of relevant seminars, conference presentations, workshops or similar events external to the course (e.g. at other areas of the ANU, CSIRO or government departments
- Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined.
Prescribed Texts
Recommended Reading:
These readings provide overall context for the course. Additional, advanced reading material will be required for each specific theme studied:
- Griggs, D, Stafford-Smith, M, Gaffney, O et al. (2013) Sustainable development goals for people and planet, Nature 495, 305-307, doi:10.1038/495305a
- Lindenmayer, D, Dovers, S, and Morton, S (2014) Ten Commitments Revisited: Securing Australia’s Future Environment. CSIRO Publishing.
- Raworth, K (2012) A Safe and Just Operating Space for Humanity. Oxfam Discussion Papers, Oxford: Oxfam. http://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/dp-a-safe-and-just-space-for-humanity-130212-en.pdf
- United Nations (2012) The Future We Want: Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Outcomes of the Conference. A/CONF.216/L.1. New York: UN.
- UNEP (2012) Global Environment Outlook GEO5: Environment for the future we want. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Program.
Assumed Knowledge
The following courses are complementary and would assist you in this course, however the course is wide-ranging and a professional and/or academic background in environmental studies, politics, environmental policy, geography or similar would enable students to engage with the course material: ENVS6025 Addressing Complex Environmental Problems, ENVS6306 Human Futures, ENVS8003 Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation, ENVS8015 Contemporary Perspectives in Environmental Science.Specialisations
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.