Making a Healthy Planet: A Transdisciplinary Transformation

Unit code: VPH6004 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit focuses upon building a new tomorrow through what we do today. From the pragmatics of finding and  designing innovative remedies, and adapting attitudes and behavioural  measures to live more lightly and ethically, this unit will also focus in upon ideas and movements for transformative change. 
Focusing upon real world problems drawing upon students interests, the obstacles to , for example, equity in access to food, clean water, health, education and decent work will be examined, drawing upon contemporary social change theories including Indigenous critical studies, post-colonialism, and critical whiteness theory; and the need to fundamentally rethink relationships, and leadership.Students will have the opportunity to focus upon their specific personal and professional interests through case studies.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and evaluate transdisciplinary discourses and movements addressing complex issues and challenges to making a healthy planet for all;
  2. Critically assess theories on the conditions for social change and apply to a contemporary example of community capacity building and resilience;
  3. Articulate and advocate an evidence and value based explanation of transdisciplinary transformation;
  4. Utilising a planetary health approach, investigate and propose a policy change and action plan for implementation in students’ professional area.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

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Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 25%
Tell the story of a community who have initiated and followed through actions contributing to making a healthy planet.
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 45%
Case study utilising a place-based planetary health approach, investigating and proposing a policy change and action plan.
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 30%
Design a campaign plan to promote a planetary health matter.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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