Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective

Course aim

This course provides a integrated overview of sustainable development from a global perspective, with the aim of developing an understanding of how sustainable development can be achieved in government, business and society. Students are introduced to the global and national debates and will examine the origins, scientific evidence, issues, policies, political and legal processes, as well as, the obstacles to achieving sustainable development. The interdisciplinary approach highlights the need for a balance between the environmental, economic and social dimensions (“the three pillars”) of sustainable development through an analysis of the indicators, trends and changing patterns of consumption, production and distribution of resources. Case studies are introduced to demonstrate the concepts and principles of sustainable development and how they might be incorporated in national and international development projects.

Course content

Economic development has, in recent times, been achieved at the expense of degraded natural systems, diminished resources, changes to the climate, loss of biodiversity and increased health risks from pollution. Sustainable Development (SD) is a key challenge for the present generation so that its needs can be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The solutions are complex and will require coordinated interaction by governments, local communities, business, institutions and non-governmental organizations. SD thus requires a systematic focus on environmental protection, stewardship of resources, achieving business models for shared economic benefit, working with communities to support social progress and a change of attitude, awareness, behaviour and lifestyle. The syllabus for this course will address definitions and concepts of sustainable development; comparison of development levels; the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development; sustainable development change processes (world population growth, economic growth rates, income inequality, poverty and hunger, education, health and longevity, industrialisation, pollution, energy, climate change); globalisation (international trade and migration, foreign aid and investment); the roles of public and private enterprises; professional and social responsibilities; composite indicators of development and indicators for development sustainability; goals and strategies for sustainable development; sustainability impacts; and international case studies.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Assignment, Examination, Group presentation

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 1)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.