Environment & Development
Global Issues for the 21st Century
Objectives
After completing this subject you should:
- Have a broad understanding of the way different environments and societies work.
- Understand how societies and environments interact
- Understand what indicators are used to measure standard of living and be able to explain how and why human living conditions vary around the world
- Have developed your skills, knowledge and imagination to a point where you can offer solutions (both in writing and orally) to problems related to environment and development. Solutions will be based on well researched information and clearly stated objectives
- Recognise that development at local, national and global level is a product of a complex mix of forces that include political, economic, social and cultural aspects
- Feel that, as a global citizen, you can contribute to creating just societies and sustainable environments
2005 - 2014 has been declared by the United Nations - The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Through the topics we study and the materials and case studies used, it is expected that students will become familiar with the concept of sustainable development and its application globally. Students will develop critical thinking, research and discussion skills to evaluate the world around them and become positive global citizens now and in the future.
Course outline
- Human impact on Planet Earth – changes over time
Case studies selected from: Forests, Fresh water, Oceans, Wilderness area
- Energy: Global warming/climate change, renewable energy - future directions
- Improving living conditions: Human Rights and Environmentally sustainable development
Case studies selected from: Women, Indigenous People, Refugees
- Globalisation
- Environmentally responsible business and food production
- Cities and the “greening” of urban development
Assessment
Continuous assessment throughout the year including:
2 Exams (one each semester – 20% each) 40%
Field work reports and class work 50%
Group presentation on an ecologically sustainable research project 10%
Classes per week
- 1 x 1.5 hour lecture
- 1 x 1.5 hour tutorial
- Much of the learning is done outside the classroom. There are various fieldtrips in and around Melbourne. If you enjoy going out into the wider world and working co-operatively with other students, then you will enjoy E&D.