Society and Environments

Subject 121-017 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures/practicals per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of 100 points of first and/or second year subjects including at least 50 points at first year level from approved subjects in your home faculty.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Fraser MacDonald
Subject Overview:

This subject aims to think critically and rigorously about the relationship between social and natural worlds. Its primary purpose is to question the idea that the environment exists outside of, and independent from, the realms of science, culture, politics and economy. Students will be introduced to different conceptual frameworks for understanding the environment as a social entity; to the processes by which capitalism and science structures social and environmental relations; and to alternative modes of living in, and thinking about, the environment. These broad themes will be addressed through engaging examples from Australia and beyond. Particular attention will be given to the concept of 'wilderness'; the postcolonial nature of the zoo; restoration ecology; ecotourism; the politics of visualising nature (eg. through wildlife documentary); the 'new natures' of genetic modification; and ideas about 'environmental justice'.

Assessment: A field report of 2000 words 50% (due by end of week 4), a take-home essay exam of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester), a practical presentation and participation equivalent to 500 words 10%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be capable of critical reading;

  • be capable of thinking, writing and speaking in theoretical terms;

  • develop presentation skills;

  • develop skills in written communication;

  • be capable of approaching research problems in the field.

Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject. BSc students may receive 200-level credit for this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Cultural Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Diploma in Arts (International Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (International Politics)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Development Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (International Politics)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)

Download PDF version.