Environmental Politics and Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Usually completion of 100 points of first and/or second year subjects including at least 50 points at 100-level from approved subjects in your home faculty.

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 explores a range of contemporary environmental issues in Australia and other postcolonial states and the ways in which people in these places engage with and manage these issues. Examining the history of the emergence and management of particular environmental issues, case studies are used to illuminate ways of understanding the politics of these issues and managing them in the present. The subject examines linkages between the scientific, cultural, economic and political dimensions of environmental politics and management and examines the forms of knowledge and types of power that construct and mediate people's relationships with their environment. Students should become familiar with mechanisms used to contain or resolve recent environmental conflicts, and be able to interpret them in the context of broader questions relating to ecological governance and sustainable development.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising an oral presentation of a tutorial paper 10% (due during the semester), an essay of 3000 words 60% (due after mid-semester break), a take-home examination of 1000 words 25% (due at the end of semester), and tutorial attendance 5%. Each component of assessment must be completed for a student to be able to pass this subject.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• be able to think critically about issues relating to environmental politics and management;
• be able to develop a conceptual framework appropriate to understanding and interpreting environmental issues;
• be able to learn research skills appropriate to understanding and interpreting environmental issues;
• be able to write coherent and well-researched essays;
• be able to engage in effective oral presentations.

BSc students may receive second year level credit for this subject.