This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
This is a research-intensive course that allows students to explore in greater depth a research topic of their own choice in the area of environmental, development and climate change policy. Students will undertake independent research, supported by the course convenor and provided resources. The course is intended to foster students' capabilities and confidence in defining an important research question, developing a rigorous and feasible approach/method, and writing a coherent and compelling research paper. Generally, students undertake policy analysis, conceptual or literature syntheses, or analysis of existing and accessible materials. The final research paper, targeted at around 4,000 words in length, serves to establish and demonstrate the student's expertise. High achieving students have pursued, and succeeded in achieving, formal academic publication of their research papers. The form of the final research paper can be chosen by the student, and may include a structured essay, policy brief, or written speech or dialogue. The course is based around 'class meetings' that are responsive to student needs and highly discussion-based. Peer learning occurs through these class meetings, as well as a special session toward the end of semester when students present the findings of their research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Plan and conduct independent research on a supervised topic related to environmental, development and climate change policy.
- Communicate the context, methodologies and findings of the research clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Critically reflect upon and synthesise complex information, issues, concepts and theories as they apply to the climate change policy topic.
- Demonstrate ethically sound and professional research practice.
- Devise a clearly defined research question of significance.
Indicative Assessment
- Research proposal (800 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral and written overview of preliminary findings (1,000 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final research essay (4,000 words) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation and engagement in class (10) [LO 2,3,4]
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
A standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class contact and independent study.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Assumed Knowledge
Normally this course would be taken after Master students have completed at least one semester of study.
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 |
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.