A networked computer for accessing Blackboard, web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.
Learning pack.

Dresner S (2002) The Principles of Sustainable Development, Earthscan
Esty, D, & Ivanova, M. (eds.) (2002) Global Environmental Governance: options and opportunities. New Haven: Yale
UNEP (2002) Global Environmental Outlook 3, Earthscan

One 2500 word essay (1,3,4)
One task 1000 words (evaluation of new governance structures in international agreements) (2)

Pass criteria
You will demonstrate a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focussed observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Distinction criteria
You will demonstrate an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are well argued and excellently organized. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading, systematic review and thorough critical meta-analysis of the available literature.

8 hours workshop
142 hours independent study
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and learning resources and receive instruction in use of the Blackboard learning environment and other web-based resources. The workshop will also introduce module themes through the use of video and textual resources. Over subsequent weeks you will then work through self-instructional course material providing a structure for reading key texts and papers and specifying tasks to be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in a designated learning group.

This module provides an introduction to the debates on the concepts and practice of `governance? and `sustainable development? as they have developed over the past two decades. Despite a growing consensus that sound governance is essential in achieving sustainable development, notions of what constitutes `good governance? and `sustainability? are subject to a range of divergent definitions which will be critically examined. It reviews the some of the challenges presented by environmental uncertainty, economic globalisation and political change to sustainable development. The global level responses to these challenges are evaluated through a detailed examination of the progress of the sustainable development agenda from the 1992 Rio Conference (UNCED) to the the development of the Millennium Development Goals and Johannesburg 2002 (WSSD). Particular attention is paid to the role played by other actors in civil society (e.g. NGO) and business in the construction of new forms of governance for sustainable development. The module also develops key learning skills such as accessing and utilising web-based learning resources and methods of electronic interaction.