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Peak Carbon: Climate Change and Energy Policy - HPSC2750
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Equivalent: ENVP2002, SCTS3128
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Why are Australians among the world’s worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters? What has Australia done to reduce its contribution to global climate change compared to other nations, such as the US, UK and Germany? What are the major obstacles to be overcome before Australia can make deep cuts in greenhouse emissions, particularly from energy? Exploring these and other key issues, Peak Carbon will give students a greater insight into one of the most important policy challenges confronting Australia and the world today.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • Explain why sound national energy policy is crucial to designing effective national, and international, climate change policy
  • Outline Australia's current energy strategy and discuss how we got here
  • Understand what social and environmental problems this strategy creates
  • Detail what options there are for future directions domestically and internationally
  • Describe the pros and cons of Australia's energy and climate change policies in comparison to other countries.

Assessment

  • Essay (2500 words) - 50%
  • Presentation - 25%
  • Mid term test - 15%
  • Participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.