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 contemporary thinking on why these challenges have emerged and how they can be addressed. Experts engaged in a range of current environment-society interactions will provide these perspectives. The course also offers you the opportunity to apply these perspectives to a particular environmental issue of your choice.
The course is structured as a series of small-group discussions, some held outdoors. These discussions are led by experts and practitioners in their field and focus on exploring the most up-to-date research, thinking and practice on each theme from a variety of perspectives. Some of these discussions will be led by you and your peers. You are also expected to draw on the extensive and varied opportunities to learn from world-leading experts available at the Australian National University, across Canberra and internationally, by attending and reporting on relevant seminars and workshops 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 environment-society 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 in sustainability.
- 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
To enhance learning and to access a wider array of perspectives, students are required to attend at least 3 seminars, public lectures, conference presentations, etc outside the course and to report on the research and ideas presented at them.
Indicative Assessment
- Briefing report (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Facilitated workshop (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Workshop exercises (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Synthesis report (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
This course is available in person only.
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- 1 x 4 hour lecture/workshop block per week.
- Approximately 82 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for workshops, a facilitated presentation and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Prescribed Texts
Recommended Reading:
Readings will be provided on a course Wattle site
Assumed Knowledge
The course covers wide-ranging topics and would be suitable for any professional and/or student with a background in environmental studies, politics, environmental policy, geography or similar fields.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7665 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |