Students

GEOP702 – Understanding Social Impact Assessment and Cross-Cultural Negotiation

2017 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Fiona Miller
Contact via Email
W3A 426
By appointment
Lecturer, Tutor
Joe Rickson
Contact via Email
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
GEOP802 Social Impact Assessment and Cross-Cultural Negotiation
Unit description Unit description
Social impact assessment is a key tool in managing development in multicultural environments where stakeholders have different views of the world. Social impact assessment is a form of applied social science research. Using case studies of resource projects, major infrastructure developments, native title, post-disaster recovery and climate change adaptation this unit develops conceptual, methodological and practical skills relevant to government, community and private sectors. Students will examine several major social impact studies and native title negotiations.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • An ability to explain the requirements for negotiations-based approaches to Social Impact Assessment in cross-cultural settings.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

General Assessment Information

Assignment Submission

To successfully complete GEOP702 students must complete all assessment tasks. Failure to complete any single assessment task may result in failure of the unit. The final grade is based on the total mark accumulated from all four assessment tasks.

All students must keep a clean electronic copy of all assignments (preferably as a PDF) submitted for assessment.

All assignments must be submitted via Turnitin. You will be able to access the result of the Turnitin scan and be able to review your assignments in light of this result. Not everything that Turnitin picks up as comparable to other work is plagiarised. Use this process constructively to ensure you are referencing correctly and effectively. Instructions for submitting assignment to Turnitin can be found at:  http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/assignments.htm

 

Late Penalties and Grading

Please note that the penalty for late submission of assignments is 10% per day or part thereof, calculated from midnight on the due date listed. This penalty will be applied unless you are granted an extension by the unit convenor (Fiona Miller) and provide appropriate supporting documentation. Please talk to (or email) Fiona about any circumstances that affect your assignments before the due date.

Each assignment will be marked and commented upon before it is returned to you. The mark will be in the form of a graded letter and as consistent with University policy. 

Further Guidance on Assessments

Rubrics and marking criteria for all assessments, as well as some samples of assessments, will be available on iLearn.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Key Issues Summary 20% No 20/08/2017 (midnight)
Tutorial Presentation 10% No Weeks 4-12
Tutorial Paper 25% No Weeks 5-13
Research Essay 40% No 05/11/17 (midnight)
Active Participation 5% No Weeks 1-13

Key Issues Summary

Due: 20/08/2017 (midnight)
Weighting: 20%

Write a (1000 word) concise review of the readings for weeks 1-2 and the introductory lectures. Your review should identify key themes in the literature and relate those themes to your own learning objectives in the unit and fields of interest/professional practice.

The purpose of this assessment task is to ensure that you understand the history, purpose, and principles and processes underpinning Social Impact Assessment. You are required to demonstrate a critical understanding of the introductory readings and lectures, the issues they raise, and the relevance of these issues to your own learning objectives in the unit and fields of interest/professional practice. This assessment aims to provide you with a clear overview of the field and issues in doing SIA in cross-cultural settings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Tutorial Presentation

Due: Weeks 4-12
Weighting: 10%

Students are required to work in groups to prepare an oral presentation and lead a tutorial discussion on a specific tutorial topic. You will nominate your preferred tutorial (Weeks 4 -12) in Week 1. For external students the ‘oral’ presentation will take the form of an online posting on iLearn and leadership of online discussion

In every tutorial session all students (including external students) are expected to prepare by reading at least 2-3 papers per week. The role of the student(s) leading the tutorial class is not to summarise papers that everyone should have read for themselves, but to lead a discussion on the issues raised in the papers. It is recognised that as adult learners the class members bring a range of experiences and insights to the task of understanding SIA and cross-cultural negotiation, and that a wide range of fields of practice are implicated. Co-presenters should work together to present stimulating and provocative discussion sessions (e.g. make use of powerpoint, discussion questions, videos, games, debates, scenarios, role plays, group activities).  

Of the 10% allocated for this task, half of the mark is allocated to the group as a whole and half is based on your individual contribution to the class presentation (or online presentation) and your ability to lead and encourage discussion in class (or online). Students who fail to make an active contribution to the presentation or in the case of external students make an online posting will receive a Fail for this task.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Tutorial Paper

Due: Weeks 5-13
Weighting: 25%

Write a 1500 word paper that reflects upon and relates the readings, class discussion and your own understanding of the tutorial topic to the question of: what constitutes 'good practice'  in SIA? 

The purpose of this assessment task is to allow each student to demonstrate a deeper understanding of one area of SIA covered by the unit and how engagement with this topic can inform an understanding of 'good practice' in SIA. Your tutorial paper should reflect upon your tutorial presentation and be responsive to the class/online discussion as well as engaging with the literature.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Research Essay

Due: 05/11/17 (midnight)
Weighting: 40%

Choose one of the following topics, undertake research on the topic and write a case study-based essay (3000 words) on your research that addresses the question: What conceptual, methodological and practical considerations need to be taken into account in the conduct of SIA in order to achieve more sustainable and equitable outcomes for different stakeholders? Illustrate your argument with reference to a case study of an SIA undertaken in a cross-cultural context.

  • SIA and Indigenous rights
  • SIA in disaster settings
  • SIA in formal planning systems
  • SIA and forced resettlement
  • SIA and mine closure

The purpose of this assessment is to apply your understanding of SIA in cross-cultural settings, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices associated with more negotiated approaches to SIA, through a research-based case study essay. You will select an essay topic and present evidence to report on an example of a SIA relevant to the topic. The target is to produce work of publishable quality.

Students should send an email outlining their proposed case study and approach to the essay (max. one paragraph) to the convenor by 22 October to receive early feedback on the appropriateness of their case study.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • An ability to explain the requirements for negotiations-based approaches to Social Impact Assessment in cross-cultural settings.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Active Participation

Due: Weeks 1-13
Weighting: 5%

For internally enrolled students, class attendance is compulsory and the roll will be marked. Students must come to class prepared every week ready to discuss the essential readings, as you may be called upon to discuss and reflect upon any one of these readings in class in any given week. We will also have class activities based on the readings, so it is necessary to come prepared.

For external students, it is expected that they will make regular postings (150-300 words) on the unit’s iLearn website in response to the questions posted by the convenor or lead discussant, others’ comments and the readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Delivery and Resources

Study Modes

This unit is available in both internal and external study modes.

Internal (D1) - GEOP702 is based on a three-hour weekly class on Fridays 12:00pm - 3:00pm in E5A 110. Classes will run as a combination of both lectures and student-led seminar sessions as indicated in the class schedule. All internal students are expected to attend all classes and the roll will be taken as part of the determination of your participation mark.

External (X1) - External students will be expected to access recordings of the sessions online via iLearn. There is an on-campus session, which will run on Saturday 19/08/17 (10.00am-4.00pm) in C5A 404. For external (X1) students, attendance at this session is highly encouraged.

Workload Expectation

GEOP702 uses a combination of lecture and seminar style classes with a number of role-play and web-based learning opportunities. It is expected that all students in the unit will both participate and contribute to classes, including completing the required readings and participating in classroom and web-based discussions. Internal students are expected to attend all classes and external students are expected to routinely access material online each week. All students are required to complete all the required assessment set for the unit.

The credit point value of a unit reflects the amount of work required. Each credit point roughly corresponds to about three hours per week (including class contact hours).  GEOP702 is a 4 credit point unit, so you should therefore expect to spend about 12 hours each week on it.  The expected hours per credit point per week is over the 15 weeks of the session - the 13 weeks of classes PLUS the two weeks of the mid-session break. If you are unable to make this commitment to your study, then you should reconsider your decision to enrol – or reassess your priorities.

Technology Used and Required

GEOP702 provides all students with significant web-based support using iLearn, Macquarie University’s learning management system. If you need help with iLearn please refer to http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/index.htm or contact the unit convenor as soon as possible. The unit website will be maintained regularly, providing you with copies of lecture PowerPoint slides immediately before each lecture. Digital audio recordings of the lectures will be available via Echo360 linked to the unit’s iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

Week

Week Beginning

Lecturer

Lectures

Tutorials

MODULE I - INTRODUCTION TO SIA

1

31/7

FM

Introduction and scope of the unit

Overview of SIA in cross-cultural contexts

Introduction to and overview of SIA

2 hour lecture session (No tutorial)

MODULE II - METHODS AND CONCEPTS FOR CROSS-CULTURAL SIA

2

7/8

FM

Key moments in SIA

Paradigms, theories, methods and practices in SIA

Discussion of Assessment Task 1

SIA in cross-cultural settings:

negotiation-based approaches to social change

2 hour lecture session (No tutorial)

3

14/8

FM

SIA, Indigenous peoples and the Global South

*Assessment Task 1 due 20/8

Dominant and dissident paradigms in SIA

In-class tutorial

 

19/8

Sat

FM

On-campus Session for External Students

Negotiation and its problems

Negotiating Water Role Play

Negotiating SIA outcomes

Discussion of assessment tasks

4

21/8

JR

Critical skills and negotiation in cross-cultural SIA

Discussion of Assessment Task 2

Negotiating social change in cross-cultural settings

Student-led tutorial

MODULE III - SIA CASE STUDIES AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

5

28/8

JR

Assessing infrastructure and resource projects 

Challenges and opportunities of multicultural environments

Student-led tutorial

6

4/9

FM

Negotiating impacts

(Negotiating Water Role Play)

3 hour Role-Play Session (No tutorial)

The Negotiating Water Role Play material should be read before class in preparation for this session.

7

11/9

JR

Forced displacement

Forced displacement and compensation: culture, values & SIA

Student-led tutorial

 

 

 

UNIVERSITY RECESS

18/9-2/10: NO CLASSES

8

3/10

FM

SIA in Post-Disaster Settings

Vulnerability, shocks and stresses

Student-led tutorial

9

9/10

FM

Negotiating changing climates

Discussion of Assessment Task 3

Integrated approaches in SIA

Student-led tutorial

10

16/10

 

Guest Lecturer

Ethics in cross-cultural SIA

Student-led tutorial

11

23/10

JR

Community-led SIA, Advocacy and Resistance

Addressing conflict in SIA

Student-led tutorial

12

30/10

JR

Participation, power and social change

*Assessment Task 3 due 5/11

Public participation: conceptual and methodological issues

Student-led tutorial

MOUDLE IV - LOOKING FORWARD

13

6/11

FM/JR

Summary and reflections: Towards SIA for Justice

Unit review and evaluation

No tutorial

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

Lectures delivered by staff and guest lecturers provide an introduction to and overview of SIA in cross-cultural contexts; history of SIA; key paradigms,theories, concepts, methods and practices; and SIA case studies and professional practice.

Tutorials

Seminar style tutorials led by staff and students.

Personal reading

Personal reading of journal articles, books, online material and SIA documents.

Reflection

Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.

Research

In-depth research on a particular case study.

In-class and online discussions

Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.

Presentations and facilitation of discussions

Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.

Small group work

Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning opportunity of a role play in the tutorial and on-campus session.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Active Participation

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures delivered by staff and guest lecturers provide an introduction to and overview of SIA in cross-cultural contexts; history of SIA; key paradigms,theories, concepts, methods and practices; and SIA case studies and professional practice.
  • Seminar style tutorials led by staff and students.
  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • In-depth research on a particular case study.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).
  • Experiential learning opportunity of a role play in the tutorial and on-campus session.

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.

Assessment tasks

  • Key Issues Summary
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Active Participation

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures delivered by staff and guest lecturers provide an introduction to and overview of SIA in cross-cultural contexts; history of SIA; key paradigms,theories, concepts, methods and practices; and SIA case studies and professional practice.
  • Seminar style tutorials led by staff and students.
  • Personal reading of journal articles, books, online material and SIA documents.
  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • In-depth research on a particular case study.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • An ability to explain the requirements for negotiations-based approaches to Social Impact Assessment in cross-cultural settings.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Assessment tasks

  • Key Issues Summary
  • Tutorial Presentation
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Active Participation

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminar style tutorials led by staff and students.
  • Personal reading of journal articles, books, online material and SIA documents.
  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • In-depth research on a particular case study.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).
  • Experiential learning opportunity of a role play in the tutorial and on-campus session.

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay

Learning and teaching activities

  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • In-depth research on a particular case study.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).
  • Experiential learning opportunity of a role play in the tutorial and on-campus session.

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • An ability to explain the requirements for negotiations-based approaches to Social Impact Assessment in cross-cultural settings.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and research skills at a high level.

Assessment tasks

  • Key Issues Summary
  • Tutorial Presentation
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Active Participation

Learning and teaching activities

  • Seminar style tutorials led by staff and students.
  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • In-depth research on a particular case study.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).
  • Experiential learning opportunity of a role play in the tutorial and on-campus session.

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical literacy in the field of Social Impact Assessment in terms of inter-cultural communication, conflict and cooperation.
  • An ability to discuss the history of Social Impact Assessment and its basic theoretical and methodological foundations in Australia and internationally.
  • An ability to explain the requirements for negotiations-based approaches to Social Impact Assessment in cross-cultural settings.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the lessons of recent negotiations about resource industry and infrastructure developments in Australia and the region for their own field(s) of practice.
  • Demonstrated skills in researching issues affecting cross-cultural negotiations and Social Impact Assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Presentation
  • Research Essay
  • Active Participation

Learning and teaching activities

  • Reflection on personal/professional experience and interests and key themes in SIA.
  • Teaching staff and students will actively lead in-class and online discussion on weekly tutorial topics and other related topics.
  • Student presentations and facilitation of group discussions.
  • Small group work in tutorials (face-to-face or online).

Changes from Previous Offering

This year a number of new topics have been added and the readings updated. A group and individual mark will be provided from the tutorial presentation and the tutorial paper question has been changed. The unit will be co-taught by the convenor together with Joe Rickson who will also provide a proportion of the lectures and tutorials. The Research Essay question and case study topics have been revised with some changes made.