Society and Environments

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

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

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'.

• 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.

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.