Environmental History of Australia

Subject 136-213 (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 is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This is an intensive course. Twenty-four hours of lectures and twelve hours of tutorials during 15-29 January 2007
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline areas.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Formerly available as 131-279/379/064. Students who have completed 131-279/379/064 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
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

Assoc Prof Don Garden & Hilary Howes
Subject Overview:

This subject will examine the forces which shaped the Australian environment before colonisation, and modern scientific debates over Aboriginal impacts on the environment. Taking as a central theme the role of science and technology, it will examine British/European attitudes towards lands they 'discovered', and the consequent treatment of the Australian land mass, flora and fauna. Students should complete the subject with a knowledge of such issues as the contribution of agricultural science to development in Australia; the impact on the environment of European means of production; the technology of urban development and the environmental impact of urban growth; responses to the landscape as reflected in the arts, and the desire to transform the landscape to conform to European perceptions; the scientific and cultural debates over optimum population size; and the evolution of conservation and environmental consciousness and action in Australia. There will be a special study of Melbourne water - potable, waste and streams.

Assessment: A fieldwork short essay of 500 words 10% and a documentary exercise of 500 words 10% (due soon after the end of teaching), a research essay of 3000 words 70% (due four weeks after the end of teaching), class participation and contribution 10%. A hurdle requirement of attendance at six tutorials and one fieldwork trip.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Book Shop.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop skills in written and oral communication;

  • conduct independent research;

  • make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

  • form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Notes:

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

The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History & Philosophy of Science)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science)

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