ATS3639 · Poverty, climate change and international justice

Overview

What does justice demand of rich individuals and/or nations in response to poverty, climate change and natural disasters? What difference does it make if these misfortunes occur inside or outside of our national border? What is the proper role of international organizations in addressing these problems? In this unit, you will examine conflicting answers to these questions offered by leading theorists in environmental ethics and international justice. You will explore central moral and political dilemmas of the 21st century. No background in philosophy is required, merely an interest in rational debate about world affairs and a passion for the question: what ought we to do?

Areas of study: Human rights International studies Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically assess the ethical aspects of proposed measures to alleviate environmental problems, global poverty and inequality;
2. Apply theories of justice to problems of practical concern;
3. Comprehend and critically assess complex moral and political arguments;
4. Effectively communicate theoretical ideas in written assignments;
5. Contribute to the developing debate on the justice of current international relations and solutions to international problems.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.