Outline

Overview

GEOS3924 has the same thematic content as GEOS3524 however with elements taught at an Advanced level.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A mark or 75 or above in (GEOS2X21 or AREC2005 or GOVT2228 or GEOS2X11 or GEOS2X23 or GEOS2X16 or ENVI2X22)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS3524 or GEOS2112 or GEOS2912
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Sturman, anna.sturman@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Anna Sturman, anna.sturman@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jeffrey Neilson, jeffrey.neilson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Seminar participation and leadership Participation in seminar discussions and debates	10%	Ongoing	During seminars
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Discussion blog posts Post through Canvas discussion board	15%	Ongoing	Various
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Mid-semester test 2 hour written and oral test	20%	Week 07 Due date: 10 Sep 2024 at 15:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research Report Written task	35%	Week 10 Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59	2000 words (excluding references)
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	End of semester test 2 hour written and oral test	20%	Week 13 Due date: 29 Oct 2024 at 15:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Seminar participation and leadership: All students are expected to participate actively in seminar discussions. You should come along fully prepared to participate in critical debates on the discussion topics. The expression of informed opinions is welcome! You will be assessed based on your ability to actively and thoughtfully participate in discussions throughout the semester. Seminars will also include a student-led section which will be assessed as part of your overall seminar mark. Every student is required to sign-up for one of these student-led sections via Canvas.
Canvas discussion posts: Throughout the semester, you are required to make posts on the Canvas Discussion Board. These should be posted during the week of the seminar topic and will be closed by the following Monday. These posts are in lieu of tutorial papers, and you are expected to: i) respond to the discussion question/topic/reading; ii) critically reflect on the required readings; iii) demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic; and iv) respond appropriately to (and not repeat arguments made in) previous posts. You are expected to make at least 3 posts throughout the semester and contribute approximately 800 words (this is a guide only).
In-class tests: Two in-class tests will be held, in week 7 and 13. Each is worth 20% of the final UoS mark. More information on each test will be provided during lectures prior to the test. There is no exam during the scheduled examination period. Failure to complete either of these tests will result in a mark of zero for that test, unless Special Consideration is formally granted.
World Bank Briefing Report: Select a country from those listed by the World Bank as a Low or Middle Income country. You are to perform the role of a Policy Advisor who is tasked with preparing a 2000 word (excluding references) ‘Briefing Note’ for a new incoming Country Director for the World Bank in your chosen country. You should select your own topic of developmental importance (a ‘developmental priority’) to that country and each student is to select a different topic, to be confirmed with the course coordinator. Draw on datasets such as the World Development Indicators to make approriate use of tables and figures, and make an argument for your ‘development priority’.

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	Student’s work is i) innovative, ii) original and iii) highly analytical. Written work is at a standard that could potentially be published for a broader readership, and it contains no factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates an intimate conceptual understanding of a broad literature and uses this to make sophisticated arguments and promote thought-provoking discussion during lectures and tutorials. Draws on a wide variety of reference material to develop advanced understanding of pertinent development issues.
Distinction	75 - 84	Performs at a high level of competence meeting at least two of the three HD criteria. Written work is at a high standard with few factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates a strong conceptual understanding of the literature and uses this effectively to make logical arguments and actively engage in class discussions. Able to clearly articulate an understanding of all concepts in an exam format.
Credit	65 - 74	The defining difference between a ‘credit’ and ‘distinction’ grade is a powerful and original argument binding essays together in a Distinction and the possible appearance of some factual, referencing or grammatical errors in a Credit grade. Credit essays will, however, still have a logically constructed argument and be well-written, but may lack originality or flair. While raw data will be used, it may be less effectively presented. Credit-level exam responses will address the question and comply with basic requirements of the task, but may do so indirectly or suggesting a partial understanding of the question. Provides original and thoughtful contributions to debate most of the time, capturing the main points of the seminar in an informed way with solid attendance.
Pass	50 - 64	Addresses the question and complies with the basic requirements of the task, but indicates a rudimentary understanding of key concepts, with limited exploration of reputable literature, and whose written work usually contains some factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Contributes sometimes to class debate, but doesn’t show a deep conceptual understanding of the issues, and may have some unexplained absences.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Students must attend at least 80% of seminars to receive a passing grade for seminar participation.

The discussion board will be closed at 9am on Monday of the week following the particular topic. No late posts will be allowed.

Any essays / major reports submitted late will be penalised at 5% of the maximum mark per day.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Deductions of 5% per day will apply for late submissions.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to "Development" (STURMAN)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The Asian economic miracle (and crisis) and the role of the state (NEILSON)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Regional development and global value chains (NEILSON)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Global markets and coastal development in Indonesia (RAHMAT)	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Critical perspectives in Development Part 1: Decolonisation (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Critical perspectives in Development Part 2: What does climate change mean for development? (HEENAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	MID-SEMESTER TEST	Project (1 hr)
Week 08	Sustainable livelihoods and fortress farming in Indonesia (NEILSON)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Livelihood diversification and migration (Focus on the Pacific) (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Livelihoods, climate change and environmental adaptation (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Gender and rural development in Java (Susilowati)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Whose livelihoods? Development and morethan-human life (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	END-OF-SEMESTER TEST	Project (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend at least 80% of tutorials in this unit.

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

In this course, you are expected to read!

A list of required readings will be posted on Canvas. The content of these readings is assessable in the in-class tests.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge of economic geography, global development and livelihoods and acknowledge the contested and situated nature of this knowledge.
LO2. Integrate a deep understanding of geographical concepts and principles to describe processes that shape development processes globally.
LO3. Apply geographical principles creatively, critically and appropriately to specific spaces, places and environments, with a focus on the Global South.
LO4. Contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams, working with consideration of cross-cultural perspectives within collaborative, interdisciplinary contexts.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Students have appreciated the interactive approach to lectures and we have increases the number of flipped learning opportunities during lectures. Reading time is being specifically offered at the start of both in-class tests.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS3924: Global Change, Sustainable Livelihoods (Adv)

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect