Students
GEOP709 – Understanding Globalisation and Sustainable Development
2019 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Sara Fuller
6 First Walk 414
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
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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 to Turnitin via the relevant links provided in iLearn. For the group presentation, one member from each group should upload the presentation to the assignment link provided, prior to your designated presentation time. You are not required to submit a hardcopy of any assignments or include a cover sheet. All feedback for assignments will be made available online.
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 Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review | 15% | No | Fri 23rd Aug (midnight) |
| Presentation/Discussion | 20% | No | Weeks 5-12 |
| Critical methods review | 25% | No | Fri 4th Oct (midnight) |
| Research essay | 40% | No | Fri 8th Nov (midnight) |
Literature review
Due: Fri 23rd Aug (midnight)
Weighting: 15%
Word count: 1200 words
Write a review of selected literature from 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. See further details and marking rubric in iLearn.
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
Presentation/Discussion
Due: Weeks 5-12
Weighting: 20%
Work in groups to prepare a presentation and lead a tutorial discussion for one assigned topic in either Module 2 or Module 3. Tutorial groups/sessions will be allocated in week 1. The 20% grade for this assessment task will be allocated by a) an overall mark for the group (10%) and b) individual mark based on the contribution towards the presentation (10%). Students will not receive any marks for this assessment task if they fail to take an active part in the group presentation or leadership of tutorial discussion. See further details and marking rubric in iLearn.
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: Fri 4th 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. See further details and marking rubric in iLearn.
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: Fri 8th Nov (midnight)
Weighting: 40%
Word count: 2500 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
See further details and marking rubric in iLearn.
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
Teaching sessions take place on Monday evenings (6-9pm) and consist of lecture and tutorial components. Students are expected to attend the teaching sessions throughout semester. If students are unable to attend the class for their allocated group presentation, they will be required to apply for Special Consideration and provide appropriate documentation (e.g. medical certificate).
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 Leganto. 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 | 29th July | Introduction | |
| 2 | 5th Aug | Critical perspectives: globalisation | |
| 3 | 12th Aug | Critical perspectives: sustainable development | |
| 4 | 19th Aug | Critical perspectives: actors | Literature review due Fri 23rd Aug |
| MODULE 2: Rethinking globalisation and sustainable development | |||
| 5 | 26th Aug | Rethinking: economy | Group presentation and tutorial |
| 6 | 2nd Sept | No class | |
| 7 | 9th Sept | Rethinking: environment | Group presentation and tutorial |
| Learning and Teaching break 16th-27th Sept | |||
| 8 | 30th Sept | Rethinking: ourselves | Group presentation and tutorial Critical methods review due Fri 4th Oct |
| 9 | 7th Oct | No class- public holiday |
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| MODULE 3: Action on globalisation and sustainable development | |||
| 10 | 14th Oct | Economic action | Group presentation and tutorial |
| 11 | 21st Oct | Environmental action | Group presentation and tutorial |
| 12 | 28th Oct | Activism and resistance | Group presentation and tutorial |
| 13 | 4th Nov | Summary and reflections | Research essay due Fri 8th 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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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 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 ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
- Presentation/Discussion
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
- Presentation/Discussion
- 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
- Presentation/Discussion
- 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
- Presentation/Discussion
- 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
- Presentation/Discussion
- 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
- Presentation/Discussion
- Research essay