ATS3730 · Imagining tomorrow, climate change and social futures

Overview

In this unit you will explore the social dynamics of the climate crisis and how we can best respond and create sustainable societies. We tackle questions such as: What profound social changes are needed to reduce and respond to climate change and what changes are already underway? How do our economic and political systems need to change to create a sustainable future? What are the challenges involved in changing our social values and everyday habits? How can change be co-created with the people who are most impacted? Topics you will cover in this unit include the economy and globalisation, sustainability transitions and organisational change, protest movements, liveable cities, sustainable food systems and alternative visions for a sustainable society. Through the assessment and in class activities you will develop useful career skills in understanding and communicating complex ideas, analysing information and identifying solutions to the most pressing social and environmental problems we currently face.

Areas of study: Sociology

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. identify and articulate key perspectives in environmental sociology;
2. apply sociological and social science perspectives to climate change, sustainability and social futures;
3. research and analyse relevant information to support identification of climate change and sustainability solutions;
4. communicate complex ideas in academic and professional writing, and via collaboration and discussion with peers.

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.