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PEAC304 Environmental Security

Updated: 04 January 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering Not offered in 2010
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites any 12cp or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions PDPS402 or PDPS302 or PEAC302 or PEAC402 or PEAC504
Notes None
Combined Units PEAC504 - Environmental Security
Coordinator(s) Bert Jenkins (bjenkins@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit allows students to undertake applied social analysis of changing social and environmental conditions in local communities. Case studies from around the world provide examples from post-conflict societies that are experiencing rapid social change. Issues include sustainable development, patterns of land use and conflicts over natural resources, experiences of social dislocation, environmental degradation and the resulting pressures on family, community life and culture. The unit provides students with the opportunity to critically analyse the practices and operations carried out by external agencies working with and for local communities and indigenous societies - including non-government organisations, government agencies and companies.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

On the Edge of Scarcity: Environment, Resources, Population, Sustainability and Conflict
ISBN: 9780815629436
Dobkowski, M.N. and Wallimann, I. (eds), Syracuse University Press 2002
Text refers to: Semesters 1 and 2 , Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 30% 1000
Assessment Notes
Online assessment
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4-6
Assignment 2 60% 2000
Assessment Notes
Online assessment
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4-6
Bulletin Board 10% 1500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4-6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. undertake an applied social analysis of a community experiencing rapid change or conflict due to the impacts of development practices and resulting environmental degradation;
  2. be more aware and better understand the scope of social changes experienced by rural and remote communities in relation to their own development aspirations in selected nations;
  3. critically evaluate the development aspirations of rural and remote communities in terms of their development aspirations and land or natural resource use

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the peace studies discipline, specific to this unit, is taught on an external basis by using the online Blackboard facility where essential materials are accessed. The unit is assessed through two written assignments and online participation. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be taught communication skills through written and oral feedback on the assignments and participation component of the unit. Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practice their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks (written through essays) and online discussion participation. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students will learn about changing social and environmental conditions in local communities and around the world by using case studies and what impact this has on Australia. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students will be taught, and directed, to relevant literature and how to assess its validity. Students will be assessed (through the essays) on their ability to identify relevant literature, and on their ability to critically analyse the literature. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Through completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments (written skills; analytical skills). In addition, students who participate in the online discussions will be provided with the skills to debate contentious topics and develop their understanding of a topic through group activities 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct the essay question and to integrate theory and literature into their answer. Students will need to work out how to address the question and where the most appropriate material is to answer the question. Students are also taught how to overcome/transform conflict through the use of nonviolence. 		True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the essay, exam questions and discussions in tutorials or online postings. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students are encouraged to examine how non-violence can be practiced in Australian society. They learn the theory of non-violence and will have an awareness of global non-violent movements. 		True
   

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