GES3350 - Resource Evaluation and Management

Leader: Christian Kull

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (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 management 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. Analyze 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. Recognize, apply, and distinguish between the main explanatory theories

4. Be able to construct analytical arguments relevant to resource management issues in good quality writing.

Assessment

Tutorial summaries & participation (1125 words): 25%; Quiz (1 hr) (Equivalent to 675 words): 15%
Two short essays (1800 words): 45%
Final take home exam(900 words): 15%

Contact hours

3 hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A second-year sequence in geography or permission

Prohibitions

GYM4350