Twenty-five years on from the first call for sustainable development, we are still struggling with fundamental questions surrounding what it is, how we can usefully characterise it and, most importantly, how to actually achieve it. In this course we critically examine the concept of sustainable development, explore its history, and analyse the present-day challenges it presents. Focusing particularly on the relationships between developed and developing countries, we investigate the goals of sustainability as they relate to key issues including water, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity. Students are introduced to a broad range of viewpoints, theories and frameworks useful for thinking about and understanding social and environmental change in the context of sustainable development. We explore the challenges of governance, equity and social justice, and the geopolitics of the struggle to balance needs for resource use against the need to preserve crucial ecosystems services, at global and local scales. Using case studies and problem-based learning, students draw connections and identify positive lessons from the history of sustainable development that may help inform and shape its future.

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

1. Describe an integrated understanding of the current principles and practice of sustainable development as it is manifested at local, national and global levels.
2. Recognise, understand and explain the complexity of linkages between resource use, inequality, social justice, and governance.
3. Draw on current theories to articulate and analyse the relationships between developed and developing countries, and how these are shaping efforts to achieve sustainable development.
4. Apply research, writing and presentation skills to complex issues. 

• Group based tutorial presentations, best 2 of 3 (10%; LO 1, 2, 4)
• Individual ‘rapid response’ synthesis of reading and lecture material part 1(10%; LO 1, 2)
• Individual ‘rapid response’ synthesis of reading and lecture material part 2 (15%; LO 1, 2, 3)
• Reflection linking sustainable development theory, practice, and lived experience (25%LO 1,2,3, 4)
• Major assignment: Short presentation and written Submission relevant to the final case study(in 2011, to Australia’s consultative process for Rio +20) 2500 words (40%; LO 1, 2, 4) 

65 contact hours, comprising lectures and tutorials

SRES1008

ENVS1001