Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students with grounding in core theories and frameworks used in Geography to account for the social, spatial and economic unevenness in global development. During the first half of the semester, we focus on questions relating to who are the winners and losers from contemporary patterns of global economic change. This includes the analysis of relevant conceptual approaches to understand processes of global development and inequality (including comparative advantage, global value chain theory, developmentalism, structuralism, neo-liberalism, and post-development). Then, in the second half of the semester, we adopt a livelihoods approach to better understand these broader processes from the perspective of individuals, households and communities. In general, issues are tailored to themes being played out in Asia-Pacific countries. Students are expected to participate in a variety of practical class exercises throughout the semester.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GEOX2X21 or AREC2005 or GOVT2228 or GEOS2X11 or GEOS2X23 or GEOS2X16 or ENVI2X22
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS3924 or GEOS2112 or GEOS2912
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Sturman, anna.sturman@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Discussion blog posts Post through Canvas discussion board	10%	Ongoing	Various	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation and leadership Participation in tutorial discussions and debates, and leadership of one tutorial session across the semester.	15%	Ongoing	During tutorials	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	In-class test Mid-semester test, closed book, short answers.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2025 at 15:00 Closing date: 16 Sep 2025	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Briefing Note Written task	25%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Oct 2025	2000 words (excluding references)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	In-class test End-of-semester test, closed-book, short answers.	25%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 15:00 Closing date: 04 Nov 2025	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial participation and leadership: All students are expected to participate actively in tutorial discussions. You should come along fully prepared to participate in critical debates on the discussion topics. The expression of informed opinions is welcome! You will be assessed based on your ability to actively and thoughtfully participate in discussions throughout the semester. Tutorials will also include a student-led section which will be assessed as 5% of your overall tutorial mark. Every student is required to sign-up for one of these student-led sections via Canvas.
Canvas discussion posts: Throughout the semester, you are required to make posts on the Canvas Discussion Board. These should be posted during the week of the tutorial topic and will be closed by the following week's lecture. These posts are in lieu of tutorial papers, and you are expected to: i) respond to the discussion prompt; ii) critically reflect on the week's materials, including the lecture, online content, and required readings; iii) demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic; and iv) respond appropriately to (and not repeat arguments made in) previous posts. You are expected to make at least 3 posts throughout the semester and contribute approximately 800 words in total across these posts (this is a guide only).
In-class test: Two in-class, closed book, short answer tests will be held, one in week 7 and one in week 13. Each is worth 25% of the final UoS mark. More information on each test is available on Canvas. There is no exam during the scheduled examination period. Failure to complete either of these tests will result in a mark of zero for that test, unless Special Consideration is formally granted.
Briefing Note: You are tasked with preparing a 2000 word (excl. references) Briefing Note arguing for the importance of a particular developmental priority (a topic of developmental importance) for a low- or middle-income country. See Canvas for further details.

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’s work is i) innovative, ii) original and iii) highly analytical. Written work is at a standard that could potentially be published for a broader readership, and it contains no factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates an intimate conceptual understanding of a broad literature and uses this to make sophisticated arguments and promote thought-provoking discussion during lectures and tutorials. Draws on a wide variety of reference material to develop advanced understanding of pertinent development issues.
Distinction	75 - 84	Performs at a high level of competence meeting at least two of the three HD criteria. Written work is at a high standard with few factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Demonstrates a strong conceptual understanding of the literature and uses this effectively to make logical arguments and actively engage in class discussions. Able to clearly articulate an understanding of all concepts in an exam format.
Credit	65 - 74	The defining difference between a ‘credit’ and ‘distinction’ grade is a powerful and original argument binding essays together in a Distinction and the possible appearance of some factual, referencing or grammatical errors in a Credit grade. Credit essays will, however, still have a logically constructed argument and be well-written, but may lack originality or flair. While raw data will be used, it may be less effectively presented. Credit-level exam responses will address the question and comply with basic requirements of the task, but may do so indirectly or suggesting a partial understanding of the question. Provides original and thoughtful contributions to debate most of the time, capturing the main points of the seminar in an informed way with solid attendance.
Pass	50 - 64	Addresses the question and complies with the basic requirements of the task, but indicates a rudimentary understanding of key concepts, with limited exploration of reputable literature, and whose written work usually contains some factual, referencing or grammatical errors. Contributes sometimes to class debate, but doesn’t show a deep conceptual understanding of the issues, and may have some unexplained absences.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Students must attend at least 80% of seminars to receive a passing grade for seminar participation.

The discussion board will be closed at 9am on Monday of the week following the particular topic. No late posts will be allowed.

Any essays / major reports submitted late will be penalised at 5% of the maximum mark per day.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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	What is "Development"? (STURMAN)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	(De)colonization and Development (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Development and Global Value Chains (NEILSON)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Development and Gender (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Critical perspectives in Development Part 1: What does climate change mean for development? (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Critical perspectives in Development Part 2: Food security (PRITCHARD)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	MID-SEMESTER TEST	Practical (1 hr)
Week 08	Sustainable livelihoods, livelihood diversification and migration (PRITCHARD)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Fortress farming livelihoods in Indonesia (NEILSON)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Livelihoods adaptation and climate change (PRITCHARD)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Development and urbanization (PRITCHARD)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Whose livelihoods? Development and more-than-human life (STURMAN)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	END-OF-SEMESTER TEST	Practical (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend at least 80% of tutorials in this unit.

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

In this course, you are expected to read!

A list of required, and some optional, readings is included in each week's module on Canvas. The content of the required readings is assessable in the in-class tests.

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. Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge of economic geography, global development and livelihoods and acknowledge the contested and situated nature of this knowledge.
LO2. Integrate a deep understanding of geographical concepts and principles to describe processes that shape development processes globally.
LO3. Apply geographical principles creatively, critically and appropriately to specific spaces, places and environments, with a focus on the Global South.
LO4. Contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams, working with consideration of cross-cultural perspectives within collaborative, interdisciplinary contexts.

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.

The order of topics has been adjusted in response to student feedback, and expectations, including around distribution of marks, for tutorial participation and leadership have been clarified.

Additional information

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)

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

GEOS3524: Global Change, Sustainable Livelihoods

Semester 2, 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)

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