Students should ensure they have completed the required reading for the first six modules prior to the three-day intensive on-campus session and be prepared to discuss this material critically. Students will not be awarded participation marks just for attending class. Participation will be graded on the basis of each student’s participation evidencing their understanding of comparative perspective of environmental legal governance in different legal traditions and regions. A student’s ability to analyse the effectiveness of different environmental legal systems using comparative law method will also be taken into account. Depending on the number of students in the class, those students who wish to enhance their assessment of class participation may be given the opportunity to give a brief presentation to the class on an agreed topic.

This task that aims to assist the student’s understanding of the comparative methodology in Environmental Law and its relevance in legal analysis and to provide feedback to understanding gained from accessing the lecture material from the first six modules.  This is a written task that requires students to complete a collection of short answer questions. It is to be submitted via Turnitin prior to the on-campus sessions.

Students must submit a 500 word synopsis for their proposed research essay providing the working topic, the research question, the methodology and literature review, and the value of the research. 

Students must submit an essay that presents independent research comparing the legal and policy approaches available to overcoming a particular environmental problem that has been recognized as having international importance. A comparison will be made between at least two countries one of which may be Australia.  

Legal and policy approaches include inter alia: choice of policy tools; provisions within relevant legislation; the role of institutions including the courts; and enforcement and compliance.

Students are to select the international treaty regime but can request guidance from the teacher.

Included as part of their response, the student must justify the selection of the countries that are the focus of the research essay; explain the basis for comparison; identify any obstacles that arise in making comparisons; illustrate how and why the comparison is useful in terms of better understanding of the prospects and limitations of legal approach adopted in each country; and lessons learned for effective environmental governance.

These factors are critical – an essay that lacks a useful basis for comparison will be poorly received.

The essay must submit a compelling argument on the topic – a submission that merely describes an environmental issue does not constitute a research essay.

Assessment will be based on the extent of research; demonstration of analytical skills; clarity of argument; structure and style of writing; and other generic skills in accordance with the learning outcomes.

Word limit is 5,000 words. Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked.  The word limit will not include footnotes providing references but will include explanatory footnotes.