Systems Thinking for Sustainability

Systems thinking is used in diverse fields, from arts to engineering, to understand how components interact in complex ways. Systems thinking can be used to quantify and understand the movement of mass and energy in Earth’s climate system, or to inform decision-making by governments or communities. Earth system scientists use a systems approach to understand the structure, functions and feedbacks among the earth’s anthrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, pedosphere and cryosphere. Economists use systems thinking to maximize the impact of sustainable development decisions. Geographers use systems thinking to identify the effects urban transport systems have on communities. Learning how to identify and model the properties and processes at work within a system helps us make a difference and achieve sustainability goals. In this 200-level course, students will develop understanding of the way systems thinking is used in sustainability studies, including in local, regional and international contexts. Students are introduced to some of the strengths, limitations and major challenges inherent in this approach to helping us address complex interdisciplinary problems.

15 points

SENS101

Freshwater Resources

Characterisation and assessment of freshwater resources and current stresses upon these. Topics will include; characteristics and vulnerability of the hydrological cycle, aquatic processes and aquatic ecosystems, cultural values, hazards, anthropogenic use, stresses and their effects on water quality, quantity, ecosystem health/diversity and future use, resource limitations and connections to economy, tools and techniques for resource assessment.

15 points

Any 75 points at 100 level

Environmental Science and Resource Management

This course explores the debates and issues in environmental science and resource management around the core theme of agriculture and the environment. There is an emphasis on developing solutions to environmental issues. The course takes a quantitative approach to environmental issues, teaching students to make informed decisions that integrate biophysical data with policies and practices of management in New Zealand and global contexts. Students will learn to recognise patterns and processes in agricultural environments, and gain an understanding of how those patterns and processes influence and are influenced by resource management decisions. Students will develop an awareness of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand as it applies to environmental issues associated with agriculture, recognising that Maori values may be distinct to regulatory guidelines regarding environmental quality. Matauranga Maori aspects of agriculture and the environment will be covered.

15 points

(ENVR101 and GEOG106) or (GEOG110 and GEOG106); and 15 points from CHEM, GEOL, BIOL, ARTS102 or STAT101.

GEOG206, ENVR201, ENVR209

Places for Wellbeing and Flourishing

An examination of how places shape human wellbeing and flourishing, in both positive and less than positive ways. With a focus on settler colonial nations, we will examine the significant variations that exist between places in terms of the housing, work, education and support opportunities available within them. We consider the impact of these variations for local wellbeing and flourishing, noting the uneven experiences of particular social groups. We also examine place-based interventions that may support local wellbeing and flourishing, and selection of methods to evaluate these interventions. The course draws on the insights of human geography and engages with the contemporary lived experience of places in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

15 points

Any 30 points at 100 level from any subject, normally including GEOG110 or GEOG106.

Environment and Society

The growing recognition of the reality and consequences of global environmental change poses a fundamental challenge to the ways we interact with the environment and each other, and places new demands on sociological thinking. This course introduces conceptual tools for approaching environmental issues from the local to global level. International, national, and local studies of human interaction with different aspects of the environment will explore contemporary issues, such as environmental justice movements and biodiversity conservation efforts. Students will have the chance to apply concepts and critical thinking skills through undertaking a social action project.

15 points

Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

SOCI230 (2005), SOCI320, SOCI330 (2005)

Transport, Urban Development and Wellbeing

Nau mai ki GEOG222 - welcome to GEOG222. Transport fundamentally shapes our communities and affects our wellbeing. This course examines the role and influence of transport in shaping our towns and cities, and affecting our personal wellbeing. The course will have a particular focus on how transport and urban development can help face challenges like climate change. The course will also look at issues related to Maori, for example, how has urbanisation affected their wellbeing. As well as gaining increased understanding of transport, urban development and wellbeing through traditional learning approaches, students will also learn from transport, urban development and health professionals. They will develop a range of practical, applied and transferrable skills by addressing real world problems and present findings in both written and oral formats.

15 points

45 pts of 100 level including GEOG110 or GEOG106