The Pacific region has experienced colonisation, war, conflicts, coups and geo-political tension. This course takes a holistic approach to human security and well-being, moving beyond geopolitics, to examine in-depth the lived experiences of people in the Pacific that are increasingly being affected by the impact of climate change. This involves a critical appraisal of cultural security and of the health, education and justice determinants of human safety and well-being. With one of the highest dependencies on international aid, and often turbulent and precarious state governance, Pacific Island countries have to navigate multiple challenges to improve lives in local communities and across countries.
In this course, an intersectoral approach that embraces gender, economic inequality and ethnicity is taken to analysing these challenges. Our frames of reference to explore the social determinants that underpin human security and well-being include the state, the family, the village and urban growth. We will be encouraging students to ask questions about underlying assumptions and biases in how problems are defined and addressed, and the impact this has on policies, programs and practice.
The course will investigate how culture, development and politics shape the contemporary security landscape, and identify the critical actors involved in meeting the multi-faceted challenges and achieve sustainable development goals at a national and local level.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and reflect on different concepts and determinants of human security and wellbeing and apply this knowledge to understand the challenges facing the region.
- Analyse key concepts that link the social determinants of human security and wellbeing, and relate these to development issues and practices.
- Examine the importance of decolonising and Indigenising concepts of security, safety and wellbeing in the Pacific.
- Evaluate and critique the ways that international, national and local actors may shape or contribute to the contemporary state of play, and their efforts to improve human security and wellbeing.
- Demonstrate advanced skills in critical reading, thinking, writing, discussion and public presentation.
Indicative Assessment
- Class Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Literature Review (1,500 words) (30) [LO 2,3,5]
- Case Study Paper (3,500 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Class Presentation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6000 words of assessment or the equivalent. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Each week students will have three or four required readings and additional supplementary readings.
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:
- 14
- 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 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7948 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In-Person and Online | N/A |
