Students

GEOP812 – Urban Social Impact Assessment

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Alison Ziller
Contact via alison.ziller@mq.edu.au
W3A428
by appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MEnvPlan or MPlan or GradCertEnvPlan or MEnvEd or MEnvMgt or MEnvStud or MEnv or MSusDev or MAppAnth or MPASR or MSocEntre or GradDipPASR or MDevCult or GradDipEnv or GradDipSIA or GradCertSIA or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or MGlobalHlthDevStud or GradDipPP or MPPP or MDevStud or MSc in (Environmental Health or Remote Sensing and GIS)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides strong methodological and conceptual foundations for professional practice in social impact assessment (SIA) in urban planning and development. It covers SIA in New South Wales and Australia and considers international examples. It also offers a foundation for applied social and environment studies to students from other areas.

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:

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

General Assessment Information

There are three compulsory assignments in GEOP 812. Failure to complete any single assessment task will result in failure of the unit. The final grade is based on the total mark accumulated from all three assessment tasks. Detailed discussion of each task will be provided on the internal iLearn site and in class.

Slightly different arrangements regarding submission of assignments will be in place for internal and external students.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Social profile 30% No 31/03 17
Literature search and report 40% No 12/05/2017
Short survey design and report 30% No 02/06/2017

Social profile

Due: 31/03 17
Weighting: 30%

Prepare a succinct social profile, max 3,000 words, of one of the following population groups in a local government area in NSW and identify the main social services available for members of that group living in that LGA. 

The population groups are: 

i             people with a disability and their carers, or

ii            Aboriginal adult men and women, or

iii           single parents with one or more children under 15

Assessment criteria

  1. extensiveness of research

  2. comprehensiveness of the social profile

  3. clarity of presentation of material (clear written expression, use of visuals, proper documentation of

    sources).

  4.  assessment of the relationship between the social profile and social service provision. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Literature search and report

Due: 12/05/2017
Weighting: 40%

Conduct a literature search, max 2000 words, on the social impacts of climate change so as to present a summary of what is currently available in the literature on this subject.

Assessment criteria

  1. extensiveness of research

  2. structure of the literature review

  3. clarity of presentation of themes and findings

  4. assessment of the current ‘state we are in”. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Short survey design and report

Due: 02/06/2017
Weighting: 30%

This assignment requires students to prepare and administer a short factual survey (5 questions) on a social impact topic, report the results and reflect on the learning experience (max 500 words).

Assessment criteria

1 choice of topic suitability for a short questionnaire

2 clarity of questions as finally administered

3 quality of presentation of results

4 clarity and depth of reflection on learning 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Delivery and Resources

This unit may be taken as an internal or external student. Internal students will meet on Fridays from 3.0 - 6.0 pm in Room C5A 404

The delivery mode is lectures with integrated learning activities within the 3 hour time slot

Internal students should bring a laptop or similar to class for use in some class activities.

External students should follow guides on the iLearn site, including as presented in lectures, to these practice activities.

A reading list to accompany each topic in this unit will be provided

Unit Schedule

Wk

Date

Theme

Lecture topic and integrated class activity

Assignment due date

1

3 Mar

Foundation issues for SIA  

Overview of the course and assignment requirements 1. Defining the social. Basic concepts and the role of language;

 

2

10 Mar

Foundation issues for SIA  

2. Context: legislation, recent history of social issues in planning in NSW, intersection with local government planning; the status of the social.

 

3

17 Mar

Foundation issues for SIA  

3. Conceptual base: the big picture

 

4

24 Mar

Foundation issues for SIA  

4. The social as a spatial issue – distributions and segregations and the role of planning.

 

5

31 Mar

Methodological issues for SIA  

1. Localities, catchments, notifications and scope

Assignment 1

6

7 April

Methodological issues for SIA  

2. Costs and benefits, before and after, with and without, faulty forecasting; misuse of economic methods

 

7

14 April

Methodological issues for SIA  

3. ‘steps and stages’ of SIA Consultation and procedural fairness

 

 

17 - 28

April inclusive                         

Recess

 

8

5 May

Contemporary social impact issues   

1. Licensed premises and ‘lock outs’ Using the with and without summary

 

9

12 May

Methodological issues for SIA   

4. Data, data shortfalls and unsubstantiated claims

Assignment 2

10

19 May

Methodological issues for SIA

5.  Conflicts of interest, mistakes and dilemmas of practice. SIA and HIA. SIA and strategic planning.

 

11

26 May

Contemporary social impact issues

2. to be advised

 

12

2 June

Reflections

 In-class presentations of Assignment 3

Assignment 3

Please note: lecture topics and sequence may be subject to change.

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

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report

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

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report

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

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report

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 outcomes

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report

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

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 4 To demonstrate research and written communication skills
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report

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

  • 1 To develop a critical literacy and some practical skills in the field of social impact assessment relevant to urban and regional planning and related applications
  • 2 To develop knowledge and understanding of Urban SIA as a field of practice on contemporary urban and regional planning
  • 3 To develop skills in identifying and using data relevant to SIA in urban and regional planning
  • 5 To increase students‘ understanding of and sensitivity to social issues in urban and regional planning

Assessment tasks

  • Social profile
  • Literature search and report
  • Short survey design and report