Studying online

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Unit Overview

Description

Water governance is a subset of governance. It refers to the range of political, social, economic and administrative arrangements in place to (1) develop and manage water resources; and (2) deliver water services at different levels of society. This unit provides an introduction to the basic elements of good water governance as a component of integrated water management (IWM) in countries seeking industrialisation and sustainable development. The unit is one of four co-requisites for the foundation semester of the IWM program suite, a program addressing the specific needs of students working in water resource management particularly in developing country contexts.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) have a sound understanding of the latest debates, insights, concepts, technical knowledge and tools pertaining to governance aspects of IWM in developing and developed country contexts; (2) use a range of governance tools to balance interests among conflicting functions and water uses in developing country contexts, as well as demonstrate an understanding of various tools used to balance the interests of governments, the private sector and civil society and are exposed to examples from Asia, Africa and the Pacific; (3) design basic elements of IWM governance arrangements in developing country contexts and analyse successful approaches as well as failures; (4) communicate an understanding of basic governance initiatives as identified above, orally and in written form in a systematic and contextually appropriate way, with attention to the diverse needs of governments, the private sector and civil society; (5) undertake individual research on governance issues, critically evaluate materials accessed from a variety of standpoints and communicate essential points of such materials in an accurate and contextually appropriate way; (6) demonstrate the use of personal reflection and social learning to improve their own ability and their ability as part of a team, to analyse and explore integrated solutions to practical water planning and management problems exemplified in case studies presented in this unit; and (7) show how relevant theories, integration tools and decision support systems presented in the unit can inform the analysis of case studies and help to identify practical, integrated solutions to water planning and management problems.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a reflection (5 per cent); (2) a paper (30 per cent); (3) workshop participation (15 per cent); and (4) an individual project (50 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Barbara Cook
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Master of Integrated Water Management (72590)
or Graduate Diploma in Integrated Water Management (72390)
or Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Management (72290)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.