This course focuses on the dynamic field of international environmental policy (IEP), a field that has grown rapidly and dramatically over the last three decades, driven by concern over unprecedented and large-scale global environmental change, including climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, marine degradation, and expanding trade and consumption. International environmental policy now directly and indirectly affects the behaviour and decisions of governments, corporations, NGOs, local communities and individuals.

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from areas including ecology, law, economics, international relations and politics, and incorporates lectures, guest speakers from NGOs and government, panel discussions, debates and workshops, with an emphasis on understanding the real-world dynamics of policy formation and debate. The course will cover the nature of IEP; its development over recent decades; the actors and institutions which form and influence it; and the conflicts which shape it. Key areas of debate within IEP will be examined, including tensions between conservation and development; conflicts around knowledge, science, and uncertainty; and reliance on 'command and control' vs market-based approaches. Cross-cutting issues include gender, the fight against poverty, and the role of corporations. These issues will be explored through analysis of topical case studies, such as equity and climate change; biodiversity and livelihoods; biofuels and deforestation; and genetically modified organisms and international trade.

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. Broadly explain the development and nature of international environmental policy (IEP), including the operation of regimes
2. Explain and critically analyse key debates that shape IEP, and the key challenges it faces
3. Explain and critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of international governance responses to environmental issues
4. Design, participate in, and lead group learning processes and activities in the context of environmental policy

Assessment will be based on:

• Class poster and presentations (10%; LO 1)
• Extended written case study (35%; LO 2, 3)
• Peer-assessed tutorial facilitation (5%; LO 2, 3, 4)
• Participation (10%; LO 2, 3, 4)
• Learning portfolio, including mini Conference of the Parties (10%) and tutorial facilitation (10%) to demonstrate overall engagement and understanding (total 40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

The course is taught in two one-week blocks, which each involve 4-5 contact hours daily with an additional 3-4 hours work required each day. Between the blocks a research assignment is conducted, requiring about 25 hours work.

Requires relevant degree or work experience in related fields, including policy studies, law, environmental studies, natural resource management, development, political science, economics.