The lucky country vs. a fierce planet : gamification and simulation as tools for teaching complex social theories of sustainability

Liam Magee, Anthony Richardson, Nicole Pepperell

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

![CDATA[This paper aims to outline some of the possible advantages of the web-based simulation tool Fierce Planet for the teaching of social theories of sustainability to undergraduates. Its contention is that such a tool can address some of the challenges involved in teaching social theory in general, and theories of sustainability in particular. While social theorists understand their work as eminently practical – as a means of mobilising the sociological imagination to orient our collective action in a complex world – the concrete relevance of social theory has long been recognised as notoriously difficult to communicate in a classroom setting (e.g. Orum 1980; Holtzman 2005). The position of social theory within undergraduate curricula – often segregated out from more advanced “applied” courses, and taught in introductory “general knowledge” courses to mixed-discipline cohorts – exacerbates this problem. Tacitly communicating that theoretical concepts are introductory matters, this alignment implies they are soon to be superseded as students advance to more specialised courses in which they can “get their hands dirty”.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCities & Successful Societies: Refereed Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Australian Sociological Association Conference (TASA 2016), Australian Catholic University, 28 November - 1 December, 2016, Fitzroy, Melbourne
PublisherTASA
Pages233-239
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9780646964805
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventAustralian Sociological Association. Conference -
Duration: 28 Nov 2016 → …

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Sociological Association. Conference
Period28/11/16 → …

Open Access - Access Right Statement

© TASA 2016

Keywords

  • social sciences
  • sustainability
  • study and teaching (higher)
  • educational technology
  • Australia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The lucky country vs. a fierce planet : gamification and simulation as tools for teaching complex social theories of sustainability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this