Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Environmental Policy and Governance

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ENVI1127

City Campus

Postgraduate

330H Social Science & Planning

Face-to-Face or Internet

 Sem 2 2006

ENVI1127

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

 Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2016,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2019

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Andrew Butt

Course Coordinator Phone: +(61 3) 9925 3351

Course Coordinator Email: andrew.butt@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 8, Level 11

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you will gain an overview of the models and theories related to policy-making, specifically focused on environmental policy, together with an understanding of the historical and current environmental policy activity in Australia. Contexts for this overview include recent moves towards globalisation, reducing involvement of governments, international environmental and economic activity, the many influences on policy-making, and the underlying value systems that affect decision-making. Specifically the purpose of this course is that you will understand the frameworks and influences that lead to effective policy-making.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on recent trends and scholarly analysis of the effects and consequences of urbanisation internationally, including the interplay of ecological, economic, political, social and cultural factors. 
  • Clearly communicate complex and technical research findings and environmental management decisions to diverse audiences 
  • Continually extend and challenge your knowledge and professional practice in urban and environmental management. 


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and articulate the scope, interconnections, and multiple roles of environmental policy across different scales and sectors (local, state, national, international and corporate policy);
  2. Critically reflect on the theories and methods that inform environmental policy-making, implementation, and evaluation and how they shape different policy approaches and outcomes;
  3. Describe and analyse the practical aspects of formulating and implementing environmental policy, including recognition of the influences and stakeholders acting at each stage and the characteristics and causes of policy success and failure; 
  4. Establish a framework for policy-making, informed by theory, which has particular meaning for you as an emerging or established professional, and which enhances your skills and attributes associated with effective policy leadership and advocacy. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities including reading and research, lectures, workshops, guest presentations, group discussion, and group and individual research. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on the above learning outcomes. You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

Assessment Tasks: 

          1. Policy Analysis and Review Task (40% Linked to CLOs 1 and 3) 

          2. Policy Case Study Analysis and Research Task (50% Linked to CLOs 2, 3 and 4) 

          3. Policy Reporting and Communication Task (10% Linked to CLOs 3 and 4) 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.  

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.