Environmental Policy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Entry to Masters of Environment program, Masters of Public Policy, or Master of Social Policy or by agreement of the subject coordinator.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides an introduction to critical concepts and issues related to environmental policy development and implementation, with specific reference to national and international policy domains. Students are introduced to relevant concepts, theoretical issues and practical tools for policy makers. They consider case studies relating to climate change, ozone depletion, water, land degradation, forest preservation, waste and 'sustainability planning'. These case studies include Australian, developing country and international dimensions and considerations. The subject is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Students will gain a practical understanding of issues confronting policymakers for a range of environment problems and solutions available to them.

At the completion of this subject students will be able to understand how interactions between actors, national and international institutions and scientific, economic and normative discourses shape environmental policy in key areas of concern, including climate, water and biodiversity.

• An essay of 1000 words worth 20% (due mid-semester).
• An essay of 4000 words worth 80% (due during the examination period).

OR; alternatively (subject to the coordinator’s approval)

• An essay of 5000 words worth 100% (due during the examination period).

Readings will be provided via the Learning Management System (LMS).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis.
• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of policy analysis skills to empirical problems.
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.