ENV5050 - Environmental Governance and Citizenship

Leader: Bruce Missingham and Gerry Nagtzaam

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit explores the social and institutional frameworks for sustainability management, considering the relative merits of "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches. The role, structure and processes of government in relation to the sustainability agenda will be outlined. The unit will review command-and-control regulation, the use of market mechanisms and citizen empowerment. The role of environmental law will be considered, as well as processes for community participation in planning and policy making, negotiation and advocacy. The evolving nature of participation (actors/processes/structures) in environmental governance will be explored.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this unit will be expected to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of the role of government in relation to the environment and sustainability.
2. An understanding of the role of civil society in relation to the environment and sustainability
3. An understanding of the role of law in the regulation of the environment.
4. Familiarity with the principles and practice of citizen advocacy.
5. Skills in environmental negotiation and mediation.
6. An appreciation of the theoretical understandings of the shift from government to governance in respect of sustainability.

Assessment

Essay 2000 words 40%, Role play Equivalent to 1000 words 25%, Negotiation written exercise 1500 words 35%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week