Outline

Overview

More than half the world's population now live in cities. The contemporary growth of cities, however, is attached to profound political and environmental questions about what it means to be urban, what 'being urban' means for the planet, and how we might produce more just and sustainable urban spaces and experiences. This Unit provides grounding to these crucial questions by examining urban environments from the dual perspectives of citizenship and sustainability. The Unit has three modules. Module 1 examines the intersection of urban environmental change with questions of citizenship and justice. Module 2 considers key urban environmental issues such as energy, transport and food, and how cities and citizens might address stresses and shocks in these systems. Module 3 studies new models for governing emergent urban environmental challenges. Throughout the semester, a Practical Project will involve a research project with real-world partners to introduce key skills related to working in collaboration with external organisations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GEOS2X21 or GEOS2X23 or GOES2X15 or GEOS2X11 or ENVI2X22 or DAAE2012
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS3920
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kurt Iveson, kurt.iveson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sophie Webber, sophie.webber@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kurt Iveson, kurt.iveson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Essay-based, pen-and-paper closed book exam which tests student understanding of key concepts and issues covered in the Unit.	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Project Issue Analysis A short individual reflection on the urban environmental topic of the practical project. Instructions will be provided in Practical Handbook early in semester.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation In class group presentation of key findings	5%	Week 12	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Report Final Report documenting group research findings on community project	30%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	2000 words per group
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial participation* Informed and constructive contributions to tutorial discussion of readings	15%	Weekly	Tutorials take place weekly
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Weekly Lecture Quiz Lecture content will be assessed weekly by in-class quizzes	10%	Weekly	10 minute quiz weekly in lectures
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Weekly Quiz – simple short quiz to tests comprehension of lecture content, 1 mark per quiz, students who complete 10 out of 13 successfully will receive 10 out of 10 marks

Tutorial participation – contributions to discussion in weekly tutorials

Practical Project Issue Analysis – Individual 500 word reflection on urban environmental issue covered in practical project

Practical Project Presentation – group presentation on project with industry partner, supported by practical classes during semester

Practical Project Report – group report on project with industry partner, supported by practical classes during semester

Final Exam – essay-based exam (closed book) testing understanding of key concepts and issues covered in the Unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction	75 - 84	Student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit	65 - 74	Student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass	50 - 64	Student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day without Special Consideration

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to urban citizenship and sustainability	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Urban Metabolism	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Urban Politics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Public Space	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Transport	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Intro/ team formation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Water	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Housing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Group Project Workshop	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Public Space	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Energy	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Group Project Workshop	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Food	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Just Transitions: Green New Deals or Degrowth?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Group Project Workshop	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Repair and Reparations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Hope and Courage	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Final presentations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: Principles for Action	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials. A significant proportion of the assessment (25% for tutorial participation and weekly lecture quizzes) will take place in class.

Attendance at practical classes is compulsory to facilitate participation in group project work.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Tutorial readings are listed on Canvas and will be available through the Library.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe the relationships between cities, citizens, environments and in/sustainability
LO2. define citizenship, environmental justice and urban metabolism, and describe their relationship to urbanisation
LO3. apply your understanding of the relationship between cities, justice and citizenship to critically reflect on different approaches to urban sustainability
LO4. describe contemporary socio-environmental challenges facing cities and assess different governance frameworks for addressing them
LO5. articulate your own preferred concept of sustainability and be able to justify your position
LO6. converse with government officials, activists and business interests about the topic of sustainability, its potentials and its limits
LO7. work effectively in groups, and understand why a group is working well or is not working well
LO8. write a report targeted to civil society organisations (as distinct from an academic essay)

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Adjustments have been made to assessment and assessment weighting in response to student feedback

Additional information

The practical project will involve students conducting off-campus field work in groups within the Sydney metro area. Further details will be provided during the first practical class in Week 4, and in the Practical Handbook distributed in that class.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

GEOS3520: Urban Citizenship and Sustainability

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect