Outline

Overview

Climate change presents fundamental challenges to the organisation of work and industrial relations. Beginning with the British industrial revolution and then through the long and continued reliance on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive production methods in industry, supply chains and transportation systems, work-based actions have changed the climate. Recognizing the impacts of climate change, some workplaces are shifting to low-carbon and sustainable forms of production, and new 'renewable' industries are emerging. These developments are prompting a re-thinking and re-evaluation of work. To explain these issues, this unit explores theories of work, capitalism and nature, exploring concepts such as the Anthropocene, just transition, green jobs, and the 'green new deal'. It goes on to examine the relationships between business, government and civil actors like trade unions, and community groups in both resisting and driving changes in work amid the climate crisis. It does so attentive to the differences within and between countries in how work, industrial relations and climate change itself are experienced and understood.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	WORK3210
Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	WORK1003 and (WORK1004 or WORK2201) and WORK2203 and WORK2205
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jo Orsatti, jo.orsatti@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Deliberative conversation Contributions to deliberative conversations in a discussion forum	25%	Ongoing Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	Week 2-13
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual written responses n/a	30%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Apr 2024	1200 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation - Part 1 n/a	10%	Week 10 Due date: 30 Apr 2024 at 10:00	10 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation - Part 2 n/a	10%	Week 11 Due date: 07 May 2024 at 10:00	10 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Submission to senate inquiry - Part 3 Individual submission to senate inquiry for just transition	25%	Week 12 Due date: 17 May 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2024	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Two (2) group presentations, worth 10% x 2 (20%), that require students to engage in a role play activity in small groups in Weeks 10 and 11. Forms part 1 and 2 of the roleplay assessment.
Contributions to an ongoing evaluative and reflective conversations on topics and concepts introduced in weekly unit materials, worth 25%.
A 1200-word essay, worth 30%, due on 12th April, applying theories of work and climate change to policy and industry.
A 1000-word individual submission to the senarios senate inquiry on just transitions, worth 25%, due in week 12, based on findings from the role play activity. Forms part 3 of the roleplay assessment.

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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades…

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

In accordance with university policy

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 - Where are we? Work, climate and the ‘economics of arrival’	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	How did we get here? Fossil capital and industrial relations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Invisible hands and the economics of climate crisis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Should business and employers have environmental and social responsibilities?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Work, policy and regulation during climate crisis. The role of state and government.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Work, policy and regulation during climate crisis. International bodies and non-governmental organisations.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Reading Week - Individual responses due Friday 12th April	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	The role of workers and their unions in responding to and living with climate crisis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Technology and the climate crisis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Towards a just transition	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Rethinking work, climate and wealth distribution	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Rethinking work, climate and civil society	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Where to from here for a low-carbon future? Unit overview and discussion	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

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.

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.

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

LO1. Evaluate the relationship between climate change and work and employment relations, using relevant theories of work, capitalism, and nature
LO2. Critically assess different workplace and policy solutions that can assist societies, businesses, and other stakeholders to shift to more low-carbon and sustainable forms of production
LO3. Devise and communicate evidence-based solutions to work-related climate change challenges

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Sustainable Development Goals - 10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries 13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
	Sustainable Development Goals - 10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries 13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation
	Sustainable Development Goals - 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable 13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

Responding to student feedback

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

The individual written responses assessment has been moved further forward so that students can receive feedback earlier in the semester. A week on the role of international bodies and non-governmental organisations has been introduced in response to student responses in previous unit offerings. Theoretical concepts have been further dispensed throughout the weekly material to assist students to better develop skills relating theory to practice.

Additional information

Work is central to the way our societies are organised, livelihoods are made and the quality of lives available to peoples across the globe. Climate change mitigation and adaptation have increasingly profound implications for the organisation of work and industrial relations. This unit, Climate Change and Work, sits within and intersects with many of the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals including: promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all (SDG 8); achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls (SDG 5); taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13); and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels (SDG 16).

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

WORK3210: Climate Change and Work

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect