Each year this course will investigate the concept of water governance through a different case study or theme. Water governance will be considered across its hydrological, regulatory, financial, social and cultural dimensions and discussed in the context of subjects such as water markets, fiscal federalism, infrastructure and project assessment, displacement and resettlement resulting from large infrastructure projects, public participation, auditing and reporting frameworks, dam decommissioning, environmental rehabilitation, reform strategies, benefit sharing across borders and conflict management.
A major theme will be examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the many water-focussed disciplines, skills and techniques that have been developed by researchers and practitioners to improve water governance. Challenges take many forms but central are political questions that highlight the importance of cultural values, institutional design and governance. How are problems defined? Who dominates decision making? Answers frequently reveal powerful path dependencies – often involving state capture by vested interests. The aim is to build student skills as researchers, policy makers, managers and agents of change.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the dynamic complexity of human-water relationships in a variety of contexts with a particular focus on the implications for governance.
- Conceptually map the stakeholder interests in contention in major policy debates and identify socio-political dynamics with a high potential for policy capture and path dependency.
- Conduct presentations that will promote informed and constructive dialogue between contending interests.
- Identify and critically review options for future policy development.
- Assess the differing strengths and potentials of the many disciplines, skills and techniques used to research water related governance issues.
Other Information
Topics vary year to year depending if course is being offered.
Indicative Assessment
- A presentation introducing the subject of the research essay (7-8 minutes) (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- A course journal reflecting on the issues discussed in each session focusing on the development of an agenda for future research (3500-4000 words) (40) [LO 1,5]
- Research essay (2500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The workload for a 6 unit course is approximately 130 hours of study including class time and private study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed text. Reference material will be prepared for each session depending on the selected case study and related issues.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
