GEG3FWE Critical Analysis: Sustainable Solutions for Water and Food in a Changing Climate

Purpose

In this subject you have encountered a number of contemporary case studies that highlight the challenges and opportunities related to management of food and water systems. In your final assessment in this subject, you will produce a critical argumentative essay that draws on a relevant case study from the subject and responds to a key concern of globalization and development.

Intended learning outcomes

This assessment corresponds to Subject Intended Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4. By completing this assessment you should evidence your understanding of key trends, issues, and approaches to food, water, and environment and skills in researching, summarising, and synthesising knowledge and research. This includes demonstrating your capacity to contextualise cultural and economic practices, apply ethical and cultural awareness, and understand the relationship between production and consumption in your analysis of food and water systems. This assessment will also highlight your ability to investigate capacities for local food production and/or water management in a selected case study area.

Task

For your major assessment in GEG3FWE, please respond to one of the following:

Option 1

Water traditionally has been conceived of as part of the “commons” and yet tensions over access, control, and politics of water are among the pressing concerns facing our agricultural systems and our communities. As the drought cycles currently facing much of Australia reminds us, water shortages and resource competition are crucial elements of the development agenda internationally and in Australia.

Drawing on an example or examples from the subject materials or one of the approved case studies available on the LMS (from Week 1), analyze the tensions of managing the water commons. How can we best understand and manage these conflicts and tensions and provide a sustainable (and just) solution to them?

Option 2

Anthropogenic climate change is a significant threat to established food and water systems. Some policy makers and scholars argue that just as during the Green Revolution, technology and innovation are the most appropriate avenue for mitigating these risks. Others, including many prominent Australian food activists argue that climate change requires a reframing of our agrarian systems and a reclaiming of more “traditional” methods of managing food and water systems. While these approaches are certainly not mutually exclusive, tensions exist between them.

Drawing on an example or examples from the subject materials or one of the approved case studies available on the LMS (from Week 1), write an essay that explores these issues and advocates for what you believe to be the best approach to creating vibrant and sustainable food and/or water systems in an uncertain climate future.

Your assessment must include a case study drawn from the subject materials or approved case studies list and use this case study effectively to support its argument.

Be sure to review the assessment writing guide available on the LMS from July 28 and ask any general questions in the General Discussion Forum.

Presentation

Your submission must include a title page with your name, student number, the assessment title, and date. Please ensure that your submission is presented in 11 or 12pt font and is 1.5 spaced. Your submission should be left aligned. Please include page numbers on the bottom right-hand side of each page. Failure to include a title page, appropriate formatting, or page numbers may impact the presentation mark for your submission.

Permissible AI statement

For this assessment students may use generative AI tools (e.g., Studiosity, Grammarly) to assist with structuring arguments and refining language for clarity and conciseness only. It is not acceptable to use generative AI to generate content for this essay.

Any use of AI tools must be explicitly acknowledged within the work, detailing the tool(s) used and their specific application. To this end, you essay must also include an AI and academic integrity statement on the title page. This statement should acknowledge that you have read, understood, and followed La Trobe’s academic integrity policies and outline the tools used and specific application in the essay.

Structure

For this assessment you are required to use a traditional essay structure. Your essay must include a clear introduction with an independent argument, well developed and evidenced body, and effective conclusion. The essay must include a relevant case study drawn from subject materials. You should include a reference list formatted according to APA7 guidelines.

Resources to assist in the use of case studies, structure, and presentation will be available on the LMS in the Assessment tab from Week 1.

Evidence and references

You are required to use a minimum of ten (10) sources drawn from academically appropriate peer reviewed sources such as academic books, journal articles, or respected grey literature sources such as UN reports or policy documents in this task. At least three of these sources must be drawn from subject materials. No more than two of your sources may be grey literature.

Both in-text citations and the reference list should be formatted according to the APA7 style guide. Please note that you will be assessed on the appropriateness and effectiveness of your references and referencing.