HUMN 1015 Development and Sustainability
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 101572
Coordinator Julie Wen Opens in new window
Description The unit introduces the basic concepts relating to sustainability and development, and explores their relevance to real-world situation at the local, national, and global levels. The causes of unsustainability as well as their short-term and long-term effects on society and the environment will be evaluated. Students will analyse, using appropriate sustainability indicators and social change theories, a social change initiative (i.e., program, project, policy) designed to integrate the socio-economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainability within the context of a specific developmental focus (e.g. poverty alleviation, gender equality, human/social development, heritage conservation, biodiversity, tourism, green accounting, sustainable livelihoods). Students will engage in problem-based learning skills in order to critically analyse and discuss current issues in development, and provide solutions to sustainability.
School Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject
Equivalent Subjects HUMN 1040 Peace Sustainability and World Futures
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the core concepts and practice of sustainability and development at the local, national, and international levels;
- Identify and assess current issues/problems in achieving sustainable development, including their causes and impacts;
- Apply theories in the sustainable practice of various types/categories of development (i.e. social, cultural, economic, environmental);
- Apply sustainable indicators in the analysis of social change initiatives designed to promote sustainable development ( e.g. poverty alleviation, gender equality, human/social development, heritage conservation, biodiversity, tourism, green accounting, sustainable livelihoods); and
- Demonstrate skills in problem-solving, in oral and written communications, and in learning both independently and as a team member
Subject Content
Major issues concerning the sustainability of developmental initiatives and their effects on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of society (e.g. culture of peace, human rights, gender empowerment, equitable sharing of costs and benefits)
Major issues concerning the sustainability of the natural environment (e.g climate change, biodiversity conservation, precautionary principle, ecological footprint)
Evaluation of social/cultural, environmental, and economic elements of development for sustainability
Alternative technologies and sustainable living/livelihoods
Basic social change theories and practice
Sustainability indicators of development at different temporal and spatial scales
Barriers to sustainability: Conflicts, social worldviews, ethics
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open book exam | 1000 words, 1 hour | 40 | N | Individual |
| Report | 2000 words | 40 | N | Individual |
| Presentation | 10 minutes per group, equivalent of 200 words per person | 20 | N | Group |
Teaching Periods
Spring
Penrith (Kingswood)
Day
Subject Contact Julie Wen Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
Day
Subject Contact Julie Wen Opens in new window