This is an intensive course offered on an annual basis. The course will be delivered from 4-14 July 2017.
There is increasing recognition of the need to actively involve different stakeholders and communities in the process of making decisions about natural resource management (NRM). Almost every NRM professional is asked to 'consult' or 'involve' the community when drawing up management plans for resources such as national parks, forests, fisheries, water or mining activities, amongst many others.
This course provides a critical review of participatory resource management (PRM) approaches, exploring when and why different PRM processes succeed and fail to resolve conflicts between stakeholders. Students learn both the theories underpinning different PRM approaches, and practical skills such as group facilitation, stakeholder analysis and how to design and manage participatory processes. A series of guest speakers discuss recently-implemented Australian and international participatory processes, and the class evaluates the factors that affected the success or otherwise of these processes. The course assessment, much of which is based on group-work, is designed to ensure students apply the facilitation skills being taught, and that students can explore topics of particular interest to them in the field of PRM.
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:
- Critically analyse the different approaches commonly used in participatory resource management, and the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches
- Synthesise and apply the principles and theories underpinning different approaches to participatory resource management in consideration of cultural context and PRM objectives
- Employ informed methods for the design and implementation of PRM processes. Specifically (a) conduct group facilitation identifying and addressing group behaviour characteristics, (b) effectively design participatory processes for different management and cultural situations applying knowledge of PRM approaches, limitations, principles and theories, and (c) monitor and evaluate the success of participatory processes
- Critically review literature and ‘real life' examples of participatory processes and conflict resolution in NRM
- Apply reflexive practices to adequately identify personal and social characteristics and their influence on PRM practice
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a minor component of the course
Other Information
A limit is applied on admission into this course and its undergraduate counterpart. Students will need to seek permission to enrol in this course via the following website. Students will be granted permission on a first come, first serve basis.
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
- Course journal and peer assessment (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Practical preparation and facilitation (15) [LO 3]
- Group Presentation (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research essay (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 session including:
- Face-to face component comprising consisting of 70 hours of contact delivered intensively over 2 weeks comprising: daily workshops and other activities such as lectures, practicals and a cultural walk at the start of the course.
- Approximately 60 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory.
Inherent Requirements
This course include a cultural walk to nearby bush land or forested areas on day 1 of the course.
For general information on field trips please visit: https://students.science.anu.edu.au/program-admin/college-science-field-trips
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Fenner School of Environment and Society to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None
Assumed Knowledge
A basic appreciation of social science study methods and/or group work experience is expected.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4980 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9385 | 17 Nov 2025 | 21 Nov 2025 | 21 Nov 2025 | 28 Nov 2025 | In Person | N/A |