US Elections

USSC6910 - Special Topic in US Studies
Climate Change after Copenhagen - Australia, the US and the world

From the Rio summit and the Kyoto Protocol in the 1990s to the December 2009 Copenhagen Summit, Australia and the United States have collaborated on tackling climate change within their countries and on the global stage.

Robert Hill, who leads Prime Minister Rudd's Carbon Trust and negotiated Australia's involvement in the Kyoto Protocol, will review the climate change agendas of the two countries within their borders and in international forums. Professor Hill will also give a first-hand account of his participation in the Copenhagen Summit, analysis of the outcomes and commentary on the future direction of global governance of climate change.

Combining case studies and guest lectures with key players in the area of climate change, participants will

• gain insights into how the unique Australia - US relationship contributes to major multinational climate change negotiations;
• understand the national economic, trade and security interests affecting climate change negotiations; and
• be better equipped to undertake public policy development, international business and contributions to civil society.

This unit can be taken as both an award or non-award unit and also as an audited unit.

Taught during Summer School 2010 (February 16 - 27) by Robert Hill, Australia's former ambassador to the United Nations and chair of the Federal Government's new Australian Carbon Trust. 

View the course flyer here.

Seminar dates:

Tuesday, 16 February, 6-9pm
Thursday, 18 February, 6-9pm
Saturday, 20 February, 9am-5pm
Tuesday, 23 February, 6-9pm
Thursday, 25 February, 6-9pm
Saturday, 27 February, 9am-5pm

Assessment Information:

Assignment # 1
Weighting 25%
23 February 2010
Length 1500 words

Write an opinion piece on whether or not the negotiators of the Climate Change Convention (1992) were enlightened in dividing the world between developed and developing countries in search of a climate solution.

Assignment #2
Weighting 25%
Due Date 3 March 2010
Length 1500 words

In relation to climate change, critically examine the policy approaches, negotiating tactics and program implementation to date of the United States/Australia as compared to that of the European Union.

Assignment #3
Weighting 50%
Due Date 10 March 2010
Length 3000 words

Taking into account lessons learned between 1992 and 2009, how can the global community (post-Copenhagen) fashion a response that is effective, efficient and equitable.

How to apply:

Places in this unit are limited, with all applications to the United States Studies Centre in the first instance.

To be considered for a place in this special unit of study please complete the attached application form, which requires a CV and a personal statement (of no more than 750 words) as to why you would like to undertake this unit of study.

Submit your completed application to m.young@usyd.edu.au by 26 November 2009.

Late applications will not be considered.

An acknowledgement e-mail confirming receipt of your application will be sent.

Successful applications will be notified by email no later than 14 December 2009.