GSE830 Sustainable Urban Regions
About this Unit
Semester 2, 2008
Offered: E2 - Evening; Second Half Year (plus 2 day sessions - see Schedule of Lectures)
Convenor: Dr Marco Amati
Prerequisites/corequisites: None
Credit Points: 4
The unit examines the social, economic and evnironmental challlenges associated with developing sustainable cities and urgan regions internationally. Opportunities and barriers to implementing sustainable urban management and planning practices are explored. Students undertake their own case study, critically assessing response strategies and developing their own sustainability plans.
Teaching Staff
Convenor: Dr Marco Amati
Classes, the Field Trip and the Planning Practice Day
Classes will be held in a mix of evening and block mode in E8A Room 341. Included in the class schedule is a seminar day and a practical planning day during which some assessment tasks will be carried out. It is important that students take note of these commitments in advance as participation is important. The unit also contains a self directed online component which replaces some class/lecture sessions.
There is also a 'Web Based Learning' component to the unit where students receive lecture material, resources and assessment tasks via the University's online learning facility Blackboard. This replaces some face to face sessions. Information on how to access Blackboard will be provided in the introductory session.
Students will be expected to complete a field trip as part of Assignment 2. Further details of this will be provided online and in the first lecture.
Finally, a compulsory practical planning day is scheduled for Sunday 2 November 2008. Work carried out during this planning day is part of the team assessment task (Assignment 3). Further information regarding the day is posted below and will be provided in class early in the unit.
Unit web page
Learning Outcomes
The unit convenor shall flag to students where they should be developing certain capabilities throughout the course of the unit. On completion of the unit you should have satisfied yourself and the unit convenor that you have developed the following specialist and generic capabilities (skills).
Specialist Capabilities
- gain an appreciation of the diversity of interpretations of sustainability for urban regions;
- critically evaluate interpretations of sustainability for diverse urban contexts;
- gain an appreciation of the differences in and similarities of processes contributing to development and change in diverse urban regions;
- gain an appreciation of differences in and similarities of governance and decision making frameworks for the management and development of diverse urban regions;
- critically evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions in a more sustainable fashion;
- gain an appreciation of a range of tools and approaches used to assist in the development and implementation of effective planning strategies and policies for sustainability;
- demonstrate an effective grasp of the international literature relevant to sustainable development in urban contexts;
- effectively work in practical planning teams;
- design a framework for the development and implementation of a planning strategy for the delivery of sustainable outcomes.
Generic Capabilities
- think strategically
- think laterally
- critically reflect upon professional knowledge and values
- write cogent and clearly structured reports, addressing defined issues
- work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- effectively present and workshop case study projects and communicate conclusions orally to the class;
- acquire (through research) relevant knowledge;
- manage and reflect on your own learning;
- prioritise and balance competing demands
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Classes will be held in block mode in E8A Room 341 on the following dates. Tea and coffee will be provided on all full days.
A compulsory practical planning day is scheduled for dd/mm/2008. Work carried out during this planning day is part of the team assessment task (Assignment 3). Further information regarding the day will be provided in class early in the unit.
Schedul of Lectures
| Date | Time | Topics | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 7 August |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Unit Overview, expectations/learning outcomes Cities in Environmental Theory |
Marco Amati |
| Thursday 14 August |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Visions & interpretations of urban sustainability Workshop |
Marco Amati |
| Thursday 21 August |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Liveability vs Sustainability? AV presentation "The End of Suburbia" |
Jenny George |
| Thursday 28 August |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Consuming suburbs - Issues surrounding "Home" Workshop |
Robyn Dowling |
| 24 September - 4 October |
Web based learning - Online Sustainable Transport Module | Blackboard | |
| Thursday 18 September |
2.00pm - 9.30pm | Special Seminar Day: Sustainable Energy Sustainable travel behaviour& transport Integrated responses to climate change Urban governance and policy making for urban regions |
Scott Grierson Michael Askew Stella Whittaker TBA |
| Thursday 9 October |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Planning Practice Day briefing Tools for urban research, analysis & planning |
Marco Amati |
| Sunday 2 November |
10.00am - 5.00pm | Planning Practice Day: International Urban Case Studies Attendance is compulsory as activities during this day will be assessed |
Class |
| Thursday 6 November |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | International Case Study Team Presentations | Class |
| Thursday 13 November |
6.30pm - 9.30pm | Review & Reflection of unit themes | Marco Amati |
Relationship between Assessment and Learning Outcomes
In order to maximise learning outcomes, students are expected to:
- Attend at least 80% of classes (if you miss more than 3 sessions you will be required to show cause).
- Participate in class workshops
- Read compulsory readings
- Contribute to group work & presentations
- Complete all assessment tasks
As stated in the Coursework handbook, 80% attendance of all lecture and workshop sessions is required.
Assessment Tasks
There are three assignment tasks that must be completed in order to pass the unit. The details of each assignment and their assessment criteria will be posted online through Blackboard for the first week. The following are the three assignment topics, their weighting and due dates.
The assigned assessment tasks have been designed to allow you to demonstrate to yourself and to the unit convenor how well you have achieved the learning outcomes for the unit. The allocation of marks within each task reflects the relative importance of the different components and you should pay particular attention to these as you complete the assignments.
The word limit does not include an executive summary or any tables, graphs, figures or appendices. The allocated marks indicate the amount of time and effort in reading, research and writing, not merely the length of the submitted essay or report.
| Assessment | Max. Length | Marks | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1: Interpretations of Sustainable Development for Urban Regions Further details to be advised. |
2500 words | 30% | Friday 5 September 2008 |
Assignment 2: Sustainable Transport or Sustainable Energy Problem This assignment is associated with the online Sustainable Transport Module. Further details to be advised. |
2000 words | 30% | Friday 10 October 2008 |
Assignment 3: Strategic Planning Prac - Team Project Team presentation Individual report |
40% | Friday 14 November 2008
|
Assignment 3
Background
Planning is a practical activity and involves the engagement of many different technical experts, communities and stakeholders, each with their own values, knowledge and agendas. Working successfully in teams of diverse expertise and interests is thereby a common challenge for those charged with the responsibility of planning for sustainability. This assignment is designed to help understand and develop the skills required to more effectively deliver sustainable outcomes for urban regions.
Teams will choose an urban regional planning scenario or problem from a list provided in class. Teams will generally be of 4-5 people.
A practical planning day is set aside in the class schedule to undertake this team assignment, although it is expected that team members will consult with each other prior to this time and undertake preparatory research for the day. Teams are expected to define and allocate individual or group tasks and facilitate and participate in their own workshop sessions.
Assignment Parts
Assessment will be based on:
- Observation by the unit convenor of team workshops (use of practical tools, collaborative processes, procedures and methods recommended, outcomes achieved) Weight 10%
- An individual report reflecting on, and outlining, the framework and processes adopted (1500 words maximum) Weight 15%
- A group presentation (15 minutes) which:
- briefly defines the urban scenario/problem being addressed
- summarises and critically assesses the framework and processes adopted,
- identifies the lessons learnt and recommends possibilities for improvement. Weight 15%
Submission of Assignments
The following outlines where and how assignmnents should be submitted.
All assignments must be submitted to the appropriate assignment box for your unit. Assignment boxes are located in the reception area of the ELS Centre (Room 101), which is on the ground floor at the western end of building E7A.
The Centre opens from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Monday to Friday. There is also an after-hours assignment submission box at the door of E7A which opens to the central university walkway. You can access a campus map to assist in locating the building.
All assignments are to be submitted by 9.00am on the date specified and must include a completed and signed coversheet stapled to the front cover. You can download an Assignment Cover Sheet from the ELS website. Please note that ELS Centre staff have requested that assignments are NOT placed in folders or plastic covers.
Penalties of 10% per day apply for late assignment submissions. Extensions must be requested in writing at least 1 week before due date (in normal circumstances). All written work must comply with the GSE Writing Guide.
Guidelines & Tips for Assignments
Writing Guide & References
It is recommended that you refer to the Writing Guide available on the GSE web page for guidance on the presentation of written assignments, writing style and referencing techniques.
Giving Good Presentations
Giving good presentations is an important skill in a range of workplace situations. Here are some general pointers and tips for a good presentation.
- Stand up and project to audience. The audience should not have to strain to see or hear you. Sitting down is a good technique to create a relaxed atmosphere when conducting a discussion - it also puts everyone on the same footing. It is not appropriate for a talk or presentation where just one person has to be clearly seen and heard.
- Face the audience and talk to the audience. Don't turn around and talk to the screen. Overhead projectors allow you to see your overhead and point out features on it while facing the audience. Point out features on slides and overheads clearly and exactly, preferably using a pointer.
- Use visual or other materials to create and maintain interest - may be slides, zippy overheads, video, etc. Overheads must use large, clear print to be easily read. Use a map on slide or overhead to clearly locate the area you are presenting.
- Have clear direction and organisation to your talk. With limited time, you cannot afford to be repetitive. If a talk has not been carefully organised beforehand it wanders and wastes time.
Please note that talks are STRICTLY limited to the allotted time. You will not be permitted to go over time and you will be surprised how quickly that time will go if you are not superbly organised. PRACTISE and time your talk beforehand to ensure it fits the time available.
Consider the following aspects of presentations in preparing for your presentation and in evaluating those of others. They are drawn from the evaluation guide used for research student presentations in the GSE, which in turn is based on evaluation guides used by Toastmasters International.
Presentation Skills
- Opening - attention-getting, leading into topic
- Well organised - clear purpose and direction
- Manner - direct, confident, enthusiastic
- Body language - natural, purposeful, good eye contact
- Language - appropriate for topic and audience
- Visual aids - simple, legible, appropriate, well used
- Vocal quality - pleasant, varied, appropriate volume, minimum 'ums' & 'ers'
- Timing - appropriate allocation of time to different parts of talk (introduction, site description, description & evaluation of interpretive facilities, conclusion)
- Questions - answered briefly but effectively
Content
- General value - interesting, conclusions worthwhile
- Body of presentation - strong in both site/program description/scene setting, and in evaluation of interpretive facilities/education program, logical flow, ideas supported by facts
- Conclusion & recommendations - effective, based on evaluation in body of presentation
Required and Recommended Texts/Materials
The following is a list of recommended references relating to the unit generally. This list is not exhaustive and students are encouraged to read beyond these references, especially for assignment work. The readings below are all accessible in the library and most have been placed in Special Reserve.
Reading lists associated with individual sessions and workshops will be made available during class or online via WebCT. Some workshop sessions will require preparatory reading which will be provided before the session. It is important to read widely. Many case studies of practical content can be accessed via journal articles and Internet web-sites.
General Reading List
Cervero R 1998 The Transit Metropolis: a global inquiry, Island Press, Washington DC
Counsell D & Haughton G 2003 "Regional planning tensions: planning for economic growth and sustainable development in two contrasting English regions" Environment & Planning C: Government & Policy Vol.21 225-239
CSIRO 2004 In Search of Sustainability, CSIRO Publishing (on order)
Diesendorf M & Hamilton C 1997 Human Ecology, Human Economy, Allen & Unwin, Sydney
Finco A & Nijkamp P 2001 "Pathway to Urban Sustainability" Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning Vol.3 289-302
Geddes R (ed) 1997 Cities in our Future: growth & form, environmental health & equity, Island Press
Gibbs D, Jonas A & While A 2002 "Changing Governance Structures and the Environment: economy - environment relations at the local and regional scales" Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning Vol.4 123-138
Girardet H 1992 Gaia Atlas of Cities: new directions for sustainable urban living, Gaia Books, London [HT241.G57]
Giradet H 1999 Creating Sustainable Cities, Green Books, Dartington England
Hall P & Ulrich Pfeiffer 2000 Urban Future 21: a global agenda for twenty-first century cities, E & FN Spon, New York
Hamilton, C & Denniss R 2005 Affluenza: when too much is never enough, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, Sydney [HN843.5 .H358]
Hamm B & Muttagi PK (eds) 1998 Sustainable Development & the Future of Cities, Intermediate Technology Publications, London.
Hough, M. (1983) City form and natural process. London: Croom HelmHT166 .H65
Huber J 2000 "Towards Industrial Ecology: sustainable development as a concept of ecological modernization" Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning Vol.2 269-285
Inoguchi T, Newman E & Paoletto G (eds) 1999 Cities and the environment: new approaches for eco-societies, United Nations University Press, Tokyo, New York
Keil R, Wekerlw GR & Bell DVJ 1996 Local Places in the Age of the Global City, Black Rose Books LtD, Canada (HT155.L63)
Leitmann J 1999 Sustaining Cities: environmental planning & management in urban design, McGraw Hill [HT 165 .5.L45]
Low N et al 2000 Consuming Cities: the urban environment in the global economy after the Rio Declaration, Routledge, New York [HT241.C66]
McManus P 2005 Vortex cities to sustainable cities: Australia's urban challenge University of New South Wales Press, Sydney [HT169.A8 M33]
Newman P & Kenworthy J 1999 Sustainability & Cities: overcoming automobile dependence, Island Press
Newman, P. and Jennings, I. (2008) Cities as sustainable ecosystems. Island Press: New York
Noble AG & Costa FJ (eds) 1999 Preserving the Legacy: concepts in support of sustainability, Lexington Books.
Pugh C (ed) 2000 Sustainable Cities in Developing Countries, Earthscan, London
Ravetz J 2000 City Region: integrated planning for a sustainable environment, Earthscan, London
Roseland M (ed) 1997 Eco-city dimensions: healthy communities, healthy planet, New Society Publishers
Satterthwaite D (ed) 1999 Sustainable Cities: an Earthscan Reader, Earthscan, London
Spirn, Anne Whiston (1984) The granite garden: urban nature and human design, New York : Basic Books
United Nations Centre for Human Settlements 1996 An Urbanizing World: global report on human settlement, Oxford University Press, New York
Useful Journals
Recent research and case studies are often best found in journals. Many journals are now available online through the library. The following lists a number of relevant journals.
Environment and Planning A: urban and regional research
Environment and Planning B: planning & design
Environment and Planning C: government & policy
Environment & Urbanization
European Environment (Online)
Cities (Online)
Development in Practice
Habitat International (Online)
International Journal of Urban & Regional Research (Online)
Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning (Online)
Urban Studies (Online)
Urban Policy & Research (Online)
Sustainable Development (Online)
Australian Planner
Global Environmental Change (Online)
Plagiarism
The University defines plagiarism in its rules: "Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties. You must read the University's practices and procedures on plagiarism. These can be found in the Handbook of Postgraduate Studies or on the web at: http://www.student.mq.edu.au/plagiarism/
The policies and procedures explain what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee.
The GSE recommends that students familiarise themselves with the information contained on the Georgetown University Honor Council website which discusses plagiarism in an easy to understand and comprehensive manner.
University Policy on Grading
Academic Senate has a set of guidelines on the distribution of grades across the range from fail to high distinction. Your final result will include one of these grades plus a standardised numerical grade (SNG).
On occasion your raw mark for a unit (i.e., the total of your marks for each assessment item) may not be the same as the SNG which you receive. Under the Senate guidelines, results may be scaled to ensure that there is a degree of comparability across the university, so that units with the same past performances of their students should achieve similar results.
It is important that you realise that the policy does not require that a minimum number of students are to be failed in any unit. In fact it does something like the opposite, in requiring examiners to explain their actions if more than 20% of students fail in a unit.
The process of scaling does not change the order of marks among students. A student who receives a higher raw mark than another will also receive a higher final scaled mark.
For an explanation of the policy see:
http://senate.mq.edu.au/rules/Guidelines2003.doc or
http://senate.mq.edu.au/rules/detailedguidelines.doc
Student Support Services
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au.
Advice for Students with Disabilities/Health Conditions
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To register with ESU, download an Advice of Disability/Health Condition form from http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/academic-index.html. This form must be completed annually, irrespective of whether a disability/health condition is temporary, long-term or permanent. Students wishing to request support services from the ESU should make an appointment to see a Disability Advisor immediately after enrolling at Macquarie University.
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