One popular interpretation of 'sustainable development' suggests that continued economic growth is thoroughly compatible with the goals of ecological sustainability.  Other interpretations suggest that sustained economic development and ecological protection are fundamentally incompatible and contradictory.  How then have such different interpretations come about, and put into action in recent times?  And what have been the consequences?  This course explores these questions, examining the intersections of environment and development through place-based case studies within Australia and beyond.

Fundamental to this course is the idea that different interpretations of 'sustainable development' result from divergent understandings of both what is mean 'to develop', and what constitutes effective and healthy human-environment interactions.  Therefore, this course explores:

• Theories and practices of development i.e. what does it mean 'to develop'? Who decides what counts as development, and who is developed and under-developed; and what are some of the different pathways for promoting and bringing about development?
• What are some of the different ways that human-environment relationships are understood and theorized; how have these been applied, and brought together with different theories of development; and to what ends?

In short, this course critically explores the diverse relationships that exist between development trajectories and environments. Lectures and tutorial readings will explore both theoretical arguments and country-based case studies, with the latter providing contemporary and geographically specific examples.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Recognise and critically employ social theories of development and of the environment, as both separate and convergent strands of thought.
2. Explain and critically analyse contemporary global issues of development and the environment through place-based case studies.
3. Use research, writing and presentation skills, and participatory approaches to learning, in the context of society-environmental studies.
4. Collect and analyse original data on local development  and environment topics.
5. Describe in depth and critically discuss one topics of the individual student's choosing.

Assessment will be based on:

• Group project and report looking at 'development on our doorstep' and reflecting on the learning that ensues (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Learning portfolio, with five entries each reflecting on a tutorial reading's links with real-world events (15%; LO 1, 2, 3)
• Tutorial contributions based on weekly discussions on readings (10%; LO 1, 3)
• 30-minute lecture presentation on agreed topic, demonstarting ability to engage with a specific issue in depth (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

65 hours of contact, comprising lectures and tutorials

Bachelor degree; general social science knowledge.

GEOG6013 or SRES6013