Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Climate change is a critical issue for global sustainability, requiring drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and substantial adaptive action. Although the science is well understood, there are major political and economic factors that influence the giving and withholding of support in making important decisions, including equity, culture and identity. The politics of integrating and balancing multiple interests to advance the common interest of any community, at any level, reframes climate change as an issue of development. The unit provides a fundamental understanding within a geographical framework of the geopolitical and economic considerations that affect progress in this vital area.

Objectives

Upon satisfactory completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a basic understanding of the science of climate change and the principles of sustainability that influence our experience of and responses to the issue;
2. demonstrate the ability to argue creatively, effectively and responsibly on a problem of decision associated with climate change;
3. demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the geopolitics and international/national political economic dimensions of climate change impacts, mitigation actions, and adaptation alternatives in a range of national contexts;
4. demonstrate an understanding of market mechanisms to mitigate GHG emissions being debated including cap and trade, baseline and credit, etc.;
5. demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of constitutive and ordinary decision processes in a range of national contexts;
6. demonstrate an ability to apply these understandings, theories and concepts in an appropriate problem-oriented context;
7. show skills in communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

Assessment

Essay (2000 words): 50%
Tutorial paper/debate (500 words): 20%
Examination (2 hours, 2000 words): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Amanda Lynch

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week
One 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Geography and environmental science (ARTS)
Politics
Sustainability, environment and society