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Unit outline_

ECOP6108: Economy-Environment Sustainability

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces students to environmental economic theory, ecological economics, and other critical perspectives in order to develop an understanding of the parameters that define management of economy-environment interactions. Students will develop a critical appreciation of the systemic nature of the pressures imposed on environmental/ecological systems and the intractable problems this presents. The unit examines the different tendencies that inform environmental management and sustainable development; and the relative merits/weaknesses of the strategies and policies advanced.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Political Economy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gareth Bryant, gareth.bryant@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Natasha Heenan, natasha.heenan@sydney.edu.au
Gareth Bryant, gareth.bryant@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Seminar participation
Quality of participation in weekly seminars
10% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
Assignment hurdle task Case study
Case study applying competing theories to environmental issue
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 04 Jun 2024 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment hurdle task Essay
Essay evaluating environmental economics
25% Week 06
Due date: 26 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Media item
Media item on an environmental issue
25% Week 10
Due date: 30 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1500 words-equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you meet the marking criteria for the assessment at an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you meet the marking criteria for the assessment at a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you meet the marking criteria for the assessment at a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you meet the marking criteria for the assessment at an acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 The Economy-Environment Relationship Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Sustainability Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Environment economics I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Environmental economics II Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Ecological economics I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Ecological economics II Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Ecological Marxism I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Ecological Marxism II Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Case Study Workshop Seminar (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Eco-feminism I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Eco-feminism II Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Racial Capitalism, Colonialism and Environmental Justice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Climate finance Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

In line with Faculty policy

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. critically evaluate the challenges of economic management and climate change
  • LO2. demonstrate understanding of environmental change, and the different schools of thought proposing to explain causes and consequences
  • LO3. demonstrate understanding of awareness of theories informing policy and the formulation of policy instruments, their strengths and shortcomings
  • LO4. be informed and open-minded about the social, cultural and linguistic diversity associated with economy-environment problems in Australia and the world
  • LO5. contribute to class discussions and demonstrate a capacity to evaluate and respond constructively to different viewpoints
  • LO6. produce a high standard of written material, demonstrating independent research skills.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Readings have been updated to reflect live debates on the political economy of the environment. An additional week has been added on race and environment in response to feedback.

Work, health and safety

n/a

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.