Draft 2 10.7.08
PEOPLE AND PLANET DEFINITIONS
The Working Group, in thinking about the “People” and “Planet “subjects, considered that all subjects in all degrees would address the development of cognitive capabilities.
“People” subjects should focus on the development of what it means to be engaged and ethical local and global citizens. Specifically in relation to People subjects, departments should be able to demonstrate that subjects being put forward for consideration would contribute to the development of graduates who will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas; open to other cultures and perspectives; and have a sense of connectedness with others and country.
“Planet” subjects should help us to understand the nature of science and the challenges and issues facing the world at present. Specifically in relation to Planet subjects, departments should be able to demonstrate that subjects being put forward for consideration would contribute to the development of graduates who will have a level of scientific and information technology literacy, and who will be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
All students will be required to complete at least one People subject and one Planet subject as part of their undergraduate degree.
PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING PEOPLE AND PLANET SUBJECTS
Any Department may put forward to its Faculty’s Learning and Teaching Committee any subject which is considered to meet the criteria outlined above. Subjects may be existing subjects or may be developed with the aim of meeting the criteria. They must not require any pre-requisites except perhaps for a “maturity” pre-requisite (for example more than 42 credit points).
Where subjects are newly developed by a department as a People or Planet subject, they will not be counted as one of the two 100-level units referred to in the Academic Programme Committee’s (APC) Principle: “No discipline should offer more than two 100 level units unless the third unit is equivalent to an HSC subject.”
The Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee will assess subjects submitted and may forward up to 10 subjects to the APC for consideration. At least half the subjects put forward must be able to be offered in external mode.
The APC will determine those subjects to be offered under People and Planet headings. Lists will be subject to review every two years.
Should you have any comments on these definitions please outline these via email to by 1 August 2008.