ENVS2008

The Sustainable Society

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012

'Sustainability' has become one of the keywords of the twenty first century. Its influence in environmental and social policy has increased despite a great deal of disagreement over what the concept means. In this course, the definitions and meanings of sustainability, sustainable development and ecologically sustainable development will be identified from key international and national texts and subjected to critical review. In addition, the historical context for sustainability will be examined, including the 'limits to growth' debates in the twentieth century. The ethical components of sustainable development will be examined and applied to the main sectors of society and development. The politics of achieving a sustainable society is studied as part of the understanding of how the goal of sustainability can be achieved. Political thought at national and international levels is historically and critically evaluated.

Not to count with EMGT2020.

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

1. Critically examine 'limits to growth' arguments;
2. Apply the insights of environmental philosophy to policy on sustainable development;
3. Understand the concept of 'sustainable development' and its role in environmental and other public policy;
4. Develop their own perspective on what a sustainable society might look like;
5. Evaluate national and international sustainability politics.
Content Course Content will include:
Defining what 'Sustainable' means
Global visions of Sustainability: The role of UN agencies in promoting sustainable practices, education and governance
Critiques of the World Commission on Environment and Development and western ideas of Sustainability
Case Studies on achieving best practice and beyond
The Australian response to the Bruntland Report and sustainable development; emergence of ESD in Australia; Australian policy responses; case studies
Sustainability and Communities: Case Studies on the social and justice dimensions of sustainability
Visions of the Sustainable Society: Part 1: Greening business, technology and production
Visions of the Sustainable Society: Part 2: Towards a post carbon world
Visions of the Sustainable Society: Part 3: Visions of community - the social and cultural realms of sustainability
Sustainability and Politics: The Political Spectrum
Sustainability Politics in Australia and at the International Level: democracy and green citizenship
Realising a sustainable society
Replacing Course(s) EMGT2020
Transition Not to count for credit with EMGT2020.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge ENVS1004 or GEOG1020 are recommended.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal
Group/tutorial participation and contribution
Contact Hours Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS2008