Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation

Subject ENST90002 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twelve 1.25-hour lectures plus ten 1-hour tutorials.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

Entry to fourth year or Masters

Corequisites:

N/A

Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

N/A

Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon
academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation
in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Simon Batterbury

Contact

Melbourne Graduate School of Science
Building 138, between the Doug McDonell building and the Eastern Resource Centre (ERC)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject co-ordinator: simonpjb@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject develops the skills to understand and assess the social impacts of development, including international development projects, resource management, and proposed infrastructure or new policies. We do this in two ways: by looking at how to assess the impacts of proposed projects, and through evaluation techniques for existing developments or projects. In each case we develop practical skills and interdisciplinary techniques to appraise and evaluate impacts. These techniques draw from anthropology, development studies, and the policy sciences, and move beyond simple summative assessments and financial accounting. We consider the social and environmental contexts in which any form of appraisal is embedded, and the capacities of different actors (from the state to NGOs and community groups) to avert or mitigate negative impacts through learning, negotiation, and citizen participation. Examples, some presented by guest speakers, are drawn from Australia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. At the completion of the subject students will have developed the conceptual skills to understand the impacts of development; be familiar with the range of methodologies and techniques used in impact assessment; understand development evaluation; and will be able to apply this in critical evaluation of the impact of projects and programmes.

Learning Outcomes:

To develop the skills to understand and assess the social impacts and to evaluate development, including international development projects, resource management, and planning proposals.

Assessment:

An essay of 3,000 words (70%) due at the end of Semester and a project report of 2,000 words (30%) due mid Semester.

Prescribed Texts:

The Learning Management System (LMS) will be used for all readings. See also the journals 'Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal', and 'Development in Practice'.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • understand the role of SIA in the planning systems of western countries

  • understand evaluation techniquesinternational development projects

  • understand critical theories of evaluation and impact

  • be able to apply knowledge gained in the subject to conduct Social Impact Assessments and development evaluations.

Related Course(s): Master of Design (Urban Design)
Master of Science (Geography)
Master of Urban Planning
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
100 Point Master of Social Policy
150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
150 Point Master of Social Policy
200 Point Master of Development Studies
200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Social Policy
Climate Change
Climate Change
Conservation and Restoration
Conservation and Restoration
Development
Development
Development Studies
Development Studies
Education
Education
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Studies
Energy Studies
Gender and Development Specialisation - 100 Point Program
Gender and Development Specialisation - 150 Point Program
Gender and Development Specialisation - 200 Point Program
Governance, Policy and Communication
Governance, Policy and Communication
Integrated Water Catchment Management
Integrated Water Catchment Management
Public Health
Public Health
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation
Waste Management
Waste Management

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