GYM4350

Resource Evaluation and Management ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Christian Kull

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: National and international conflicts over the use of natural resources, eg rainforest destruction, land degradation, pressure on water supplies and common property resources. Analysis of resource disputes, including socio-political aspects and debate over causes and trajectories. Different managements approaches used to solve environmental problems, e.g. role of the state, communities, protected areas, and indigenous people.

Objectives: Students successfully completing this unit will be expected to: 1. critically analyse the theoretical and empirical bases of resource management issues 2. appreciate the complex, intertwined nature of ecological, social, and political factors underlying resource management issues. 3. recognise, apply, and distinguish between the main explanatory theories 4. be able to construct critical and analytical arguments relevant to resource management issues in good quality writing.

Assessment: Tutorial commentaries and participation (3000 words): 25% + Quiz (one hour): 10% + Two critical research essays (4000 words): 50% + Final take-home exam (1000 words): 15%

Contact Hours: Two x 1 hour lectures and One x 1 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites: A second-year sequence in geography or permission.