Students
GEOP8040 – Climate Change and Society: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Transitions
2024 – Session 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Richard Carter-White
25B Wallys Walk
By appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnv or MEnvEd or MEnvMgt or MEnvStud or MEnvPlan or MPlan or GradCertEnvPlan or MSusDev or MWldMgt or MPPP or GradDipEnv or GradCertEnv or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or MDevStud or MMarScMgt or MSc in (Biodiversity Conservation or Remote Sensing and GIS)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Climate change has wide reaching implications for society, with climate change responses shaped by diverse values, knowledge and power. This unit examines the uneven ways in which climate change affects society and current approaches to reduce vulnerability, implement adaptation and realise just transitions. The unit comprises four modules: climate-related vulnerability; climate change adaptation; loss and damage; and low-carbon transitions. Through engagement with a series of international, national, regional and urban case studies, students will gain an understanding of critical concepts, vulnerability assessment methods, and approaches to addressing the social dimensions of climate change in planning and management. |
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:
- ULO1: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the social dimensions of climate change
- ULO2: Critically analyse how planning can contribute to more equitable and just responses to climate change
- ULO3: Identify and evaluate how diverse values, power and knowledge influence climate change issues and responses
- ULO4: Synthesise and evaluate information related to the social dimensions of climate change
General Assessment Information
To successfully pass GEOP8040 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 assessment tasks.
All students must keep a clean electronic copy of all assignments (preferably as a PDF) submitted for assessment.
Late submission penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study research essay | 40% | No | 03/04/2024 |
| Reflective journal of change | 40% | No | 08/05/2024 |
| Presentation on climate change and society | 20% | No | Week 12/13 |
Case study research essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 03/04/2024
Weighting: 40%
A 2500 word research essay exploring a case study of a particular climate change issue in the context of vulnerability, adaptation and transitions. The essay seeks to encourage students to apply critical theory to analyse the sustainable, ethical and justice dimensions of the case study. Students will prepare for the essay by submitting weekly reading summary blogs from weeks 1 - 5.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the social dimensions of climate change
- Critically analyse how planning can contribute to more equitable and just responses to climate change
- Identify and evaluate how diverse values, power and knowledge influence climate change issues and responses
- Synthesise and evaluate information related to the social dimensions of climate change
Reflective journal of change
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: 08/05/2024
Weighting: 40%
Over the course of the unit students are asked to commit to making a change in one aspect of their life that contributes to improved outcomes in terms of climate change and society. Students will regularly contribute to a journal (1500 words) and discuss in with peers the personal, political and structural processes that enable and constrain their contribution to change.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the social dimensions of climate change
- Identify and evaluate how diverse values, power and knowledge influence climate change issues and responses
Presentation on climate change and society
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 11 hours
Due: Week 12/13
Weighting: 20%
Based on readings, plus additional research, students will prepare and deliver a presentation on some aspect of climate change and society.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the social dimensions of climate change
- Critically analyse how planning can contribute to more equitable and just responses to climate change
- Identify and evaluate how diverse values, power and knowledge influence climate change issues and responses
- Synthesise and evaluate information related to the social dimensions of climate change
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
The unit is structured around weekly themes. Each week students are expected to complete the assigned readings for that theme prior to class, and engage in discussions, activities and reflections to deepen their learning. The classes each week are approximately 3 hours long and involve a mix of activities including lectures, student-led workshops and discussion-based activities (debates, Q&A, role play).
Classes take place at 12 Second Way, in Room 226, every Tuesday from 9am - 12pm. Lecture components of classes will be recorded and accessible via https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/systems/ilearn/lecture-recordings
Students are also expected to contribute brief postings online and to constructively engage with others' postings.
Workload Expectation
GEOP8040 uses a combination of lectures and tutorial 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 class discussions. Students are expected to frequently access material online and participate in online discussions.
Technology Used and Required
GEOP8040 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 and digital audio recordings of the lectures via Echo360. The unit's readings are accessed via Leganto.
Unit Schedule
GEOP8040 consists of the following modules:
1. Introduction to climate change and society
2. Environmental extremes and vulnerability
3. Adaptations
4. Transitions
5. Review and conclusion
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2024.01 of the Handbook