LAWS6342: Environmental Markets

Structured Class participation (10%): This component of assessment is intended to promote the development of oral communication skills, and allow students to contribute their own perspectives, by working collaboratively on class problem-solving exercises, and by participating in class debate and discussion. In addition to general participation, students will be 'on call' for specific lectures, meaning they should be prepared to contribute to class discussions on that topic. An 'on call' schedule will be distributed two weeks before class commences. This component is not optional, and is worth 10% of the final grade.

Independent Research Essay (60%): Students will research and write an essay designed to evaluate their ability to formulate, and conduct independent research into, a question of potential significance for environmental markets and/or particular MBIs and to present the arguments developed in light of that research in a balanced and scholarly manner. Building on feedback from the Research Abstract and Presentation of Research Essay Plan (see below), this final assessment component allows students to refine their arguments and produce a piece of research that contributes meaningfully to discussions on environmental markets and MBIs. A list of suggested topics will be provided in class, but students are also welcome to develop their own topic. The Independent Research Essay must be 6000 words and is due at 5:00pm on 4 July 2025 (Sydney, Australia time).

Research Abstract (5%): Students will submit a concise research abstract (300 words) outlining their chosen topic, research question, and proposed approach by 5:00pm on 30 May 2025 (Sydney, Australia time). This abstract serves as a foundational step for the Presentation of Research Essay Plan and Research Essay, ensuring that students have identified a topic of significance and framed it in a way that allows for meaningful analysis. A marking rubric for the final abstract will be provided, which sets out the relevant criteria and expectations.

Presentation of Research Essay Plan (25%): Students will participate in a 20-minute oral session via Zoom on 23 June 2025, starting at 9:00am, consisting of:

1. A 10-minute presentation, summarising key literature, emerging arguments, and research direction.
2. A 10-minute discussion/Q&A, where students will receive feedback, answer questions, and refine their thinking.

This session is designed to gives students an opportunity to:organise and articulate their ideas clearly; demonstrate their engagement with key literature and theories; and receive valuable insights and guidance before completing their final essay. 

A marking rubric will be provided, which sets out criteria and expectations. Assessment will be based on:

• Clarity and structure of the presentation.
• Depth of engagement with relevant literature.
• Ability to engage with questions and openness to feedback.

Alternative - Capstone Essay (90%): LLM students who are undertaking this unit of study towards the end of their degree, and need a capstone experience to complete their degree, may wish to apply to the unit of study coordinator to undertake the assessment option of a Capstone Essay. If the capstone essay is chosen, it will contribute to 90% of the final grade, the assessment tasks will be adjusted as follows: Capstone essay (8,000 words) weighted at 90%, due at 5:00pm on 4 July 2025 (Sydney, Australia time), and class participation weighted at 10%. 

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted). 

Use of editors or proof-readers: In completing unsupervised assessments, students may use editors, proof-readers, and automated writing tools (including translation software, grammar checkers, reference generators and artificial intelligence), provided that all use is acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy. Acknowledgment must be made in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software. 

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.  

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.