Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

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

Synopsis

This unit examines the way in which the international community is tackling existing and future environmental problems, including ozone layer depletion, climate change, destruction of biodiversity, world heritage conservation, and disposal of hazardous waste. International and Australian domestic obligations in respect of these various environmental issues will be examined. The development of international environmental law policy will be looked at as well as Australia's profile in international negotiations on environmental matters.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students are expected to demonstrate:

1. a general grasp of the historical evolution of international environmental law and policy in response to the increasingly global, transboundary nature of ecological problems
2. an understanding of key foundational aspects of public international law which underpin international environmental law, including sovereignty, jurisdiction, territory and state responsibility
3. an appreciation of the major sources of 'hard' and 'soft' international environmental

4. a general familiarity with the major international environmental agreements and a broad understanding of the major political conflicts surrounding such agreements
5. a general understanding of the role of key actors and institutions in the evolution of international environmental law, including states, governmental and non-governmental organisations, multinational corporations, and international organisations such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods Institutions
6. have a broad understanding of the relationship between international politics and policy in the development, application and enforcement of international environmental law
7. an understanding of Australia's role in the negotiation, settlement and implementation of international environmental agreements
8. an ability to think critically and present a reasoned argument in relation to key developments and problems in international environmental law and policy
9. be able to make an assessment of where international environmental law can be expected to develop in the future.

Assessment

Research paper (6,000 words): 80%
Take-home exam: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Rowena Cantley-Smith

Contact hours

24 contact hours per teaching period (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements).