Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101572

Coordinator Julie Wen Opens in new window

Description The subject introduces the basic concepts relating to sustainability and development, and explores their relevance to real-world situations 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 Human Geography

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects -

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify the core concepts and practice of sustainability and development 
2. Identify and assess current issues/problems in achieving sustainable development, including their causes and impacts
3. Apply theories in the sustainable practice of various types/categories of development (i.e. social, cultural, economic, environmental)
4. Apply sustainable indicators in the analysis of social change initiatives designed to promote sustainable development 
5. Demonstrate skills in problem-solving, in oral and written communications

Subject Content

1. Core concepts/theories about sustainability and development
2. Major issues concerning the sustainability of developmental initiatives and their effects on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of society
3. Major issues concerning the sustainability of the natural environment  
4. Evaluation of social/cultural, environmental, and economic elements of development for sustainability
5. Alternative technologies and sustainable living/livelihoods
6. Basic social change theories and practice
7. Sustainability indicators of development at different temporal and spatial scales
8. Barriers to sustainability