Students

GEOP709 – Understanding Globalisation and Sustainable Development

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Sara Fuller
W3A 414
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Debates around globalisation and sustainable development tend to focus on the need for humanity – both individuals and societies – to make choices between economic growth on the one hand and the wellbeing of the planet on the other. This unit critically explores this problematic. It examines tensions and synergies between discourses of globalisation and sustainable development alongside opportunities to achieve economic prosperity alongside care for the environment in practice. The unit first considers conceptual debates that situate globalisation and sustainable development as ‘problems’ that society must deal with. Next it explores how scholars and activists are rethinking globalisation and sustainable development and opening up new possibilities for action. Finally, it examines how individuals, communities, non-governmental organisations and governments are responding to the challenges of globalisation and are engaged in efforts to create social and environmental sustainability at the local scale. The emphasis throughout the unit is on case studies from around the world which enable conceptual debates to be grounded in real life examples.

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:

  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development
  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Demonstrate experience-based knowledge of how issues of globalisation and sustainability play out in your own local contexts.
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

General Assessment Information

Assessment requirements and submission

Detailed requirements and marking rubrics for each assessment are available from the iLearn site. All individual written assignments should be submitted online via the relevant links provided in iLearn: written assignments to Turnitin and presentation slides submitted via the iLearn link. You are not required to submit a hardcopy of any assignments or include a cover sheet.

Assessment extensions and late penalties

Circumstances that affect your ability to complete assignments by the deadline must be discussed with the convenor (Sara) prior to the due date. Extensions will be granted only in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances according to the University Special Consideration policy. Students must apply online via AskMQ and provide appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate).

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. 

Assessment feedback

All feedback for assignments will be made available online. The grade will be in the form of a letter as consistent with University policy (HD, D, Cr, P, F) alongside written feedback. Assessment feedback will be returned within 3 weeks.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Literature review 15% No Sun 26th Aug (midnight)
Online participation 20% No Ongoing
Critical methods review 25% No Sun 7th Oct (midnight)
Research essay 40% No Sun 11th Nov (midnight)

Literature review

Due: Sun 26th Aug (midnight)
Weighting: 15%

Word count: 1500 words

Write a review of the key literature for Module 1 (Critical perspectives on globalisation and sustainable development) that considers how globalisation and sustainable development are presented in the readings and outlines key synergies and tensions between discourses of globalisation and sustainable development.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Online participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Prepare a 'virtual presentation' and lead an online discussion for one assigned topic alongside participating in other online discussions during the semester. Each discussion forum will remain open for a week and tutorial topics will be allocated in week 1. This assessment task is worth 20%, with 10% allocated for leading discussion around your assigned topic and 10% allocated for your contributions to the remaining discussions.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development
  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Demonstrate experience-based knowledge of how issues of globalisation and sustainability play out in your own local contexts.
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Critical methods review

Due: Sun 7th Oct (midnight)
Weighting: 25%

Word count: 1000 words

Write a critical review of the research approach and methods within one of the unit readings (or an alternate reading of your choice with prior approval from the unit convenor), reflecting on the implications for conducting research in the field of globalisation and sustainable development.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development
  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Demonstrate experience-based knowledge of how issues of globalisation and sustainability play out in your own local contexts.
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Research essay

Due: Sun 11th Nov (midnight)
Weighting: 40%

Word count: 3000 words

Research and produce an essay that explores the problem of prosperity versus the environment in relation to one of the following case studies:

  • Case Study 1: Food Production and Industrial Agriculture
  • Case Study 2: Ecovillages
  • Case Study 3: NGOs

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development
  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Delivery and Resources

Attendance requirements

There are no compulsory on campus sessions for external students. Teaching sessions for internal students take place on Monday evenings (6-9pm) and external students are welcome to attend these teaching sessions if they are able to do so.

Workload

GEOP709 is a 4-credit point postgraduate unit, consisting of a total workload of 150 hours. It is therefore expected that students will devote approximately 10hrs per week over 15 weeks to meet the requirements of the unit.

Technology used and required

All enrolled students have access to the unit iLearn website. The website will provide access to teaching materials, reading lists, assignment submission and forum discussions. Students are expected to access iLearn regularly during the teaching semester.

Reading

There is no set textbook for this unit. Required reading for each module and for assignments will be made available via iLearn and MultiSearch. In undertaking assignments, students are also expected to search for additional resources (electronic journals or books) available in Macquarie University Library.

Unit Schedule

Week w/c Topic Assessment
MODULE 1: Critical perspectives on globalisation and sustainable development
1 30th July Introduction  
2 6th Aug Critical perspectives: globalisation Online discussion
3 13th Aug Critical perspectives: sustainable development Online discussion
4 20th Aug Critical perspectives: actors Online discussion/ Literature review due Sun 26th Aug
MODULE 2: Rethinking globalisation and sustainable development
5 27th Aug Rethinking: economy Presentation & online discussion
6 3rd Sept Rethinking: environment Presentation & online discussion
7 10th Sept No class  
Learning and Teaching break 17th-28th Sept
8 1st Oct No class - public holiday Critical methods review due Sun 7th Oct
9 8th Oct Rethinking: ourselves

Presentation & online discussion

MODULE 3: Action on globalisation and sustainable development
10 15th Oct Economic action Presentation & online discussion
11 22nd Oct Environmental action Presentation & online discussion
12 29th Oct Activism and resistance Presentation & online discussion
13 5th Nov Summary and reflections Research essay due Sun 11th Nov

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 outcome

  • Demonstrate experience-based knowledge of how issues of globalisation and sustainability play out in your own local contexts.

Assessment task

  • Online participation

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 outcome

  • Discuss and appraise the concepts of globalisation and sustainable development

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Online participation
  • Critical methods review
  • Research essay

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

  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Critical methods review
  • Research essay

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

  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Critical methods review
  • Research essay

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 outcome

  • Demonstrate the ability to undertake desk based research and communicate clearly, in written and oral formats, on issues related to globalisation and sustainable development

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Online participation
  • Critical methods review
  • Research essay

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

  • Critically assess competing perspectives on how questions of globalisation and sustainability affect real life communities around the world
  • Demonstrate experience-based knowledge of how issues of globalisation and sustainability play out in your own local contexts.
  • Critically evaluate research methods in the field of globalisation and sustainability.

Assessment tasks

  • Online participation
  • Research essay