Explore the weaknesses and strengths of the ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ sustainability approaches to address and resolve environmental problems/issues in both the short-term (e.g. 10 years) and long-term (e.g. 10-100 years), and come to some overall conclusions about their usefulness or lack of usefulness for the short and long term. Refer only briefly to such problems/issues in the essay to provide some background context to your discussion
Notes
 For context support, especially note the table on weak and strong sustainability on slide 24, Lecture 1, Week 2, to provide your key (weak and strong) sustainability contexts and features to address for this assignment.
 For contributing reference support go to the Overall Readings document (in the Assessment page of the course website) and see Week 2 readings on sustainability, especially some on Strong and Weak Sustainability on p. 9, which have been set up specifically to support this assessment item; then attempt to find other references through google scholar searches (from the library which has journal licenses: also attend the Week 3 Workshop for more research ideas and skill building).
 A good number of relevant and scholarly references is required for second-year level students to gain maximum marks (15-20).
 Included in the word count are in-text references (e.g. Jones 2007 etc.), headings, and tables and figures. Not included is the reference list cited at the end. Also please do not provide a contents page for the essay.
 Use the marking criteria below as the guide for writing your essay.
Marking Criteria
Comment
Max possible mark
Structure and organisation
 clear and concise introduction and conclusion
 logical and coherent progression of the essay
/3
General content
 discussion and understanding of key points/issues/arguments
 relevance of information
 evidence of adequate research and use of references
/10
Critical reflection
 evidence of critical thinking and reflection
/8
Presentation
 accuracy and consistency of referencing
 clarity of expression
 appropriate formatting and presentation
 accuracy of grammar and spelling
/4
Total
25
Lesser criteria:
The essay word limit is 1500 words (give or take 10%) Yes
Word limit deduction conditions:
 10% of the total mark will be deducted for every 10% or fraction thereof, of extra words over or less than the allowable 10%, e.g., if you submit an essay between 1650 and 1800 words you will be deducted 10% of your mark; between 1800 and 1950 words, 20% and so on; alternatively, if you submit an essay between1350-1200 words you will be deducted 10%, and so on.