Development and Urban Environments

Subject 121-022 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures, two hours of practicals/seminars per week and two days of fieldwork (during semester)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually completion of 25 points of first year geography, environmental studies, urban planning or environmental science, or the permission of the subject coordinator.

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

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the relationship between development and urban environments. The innovation of this subject is to consider both the physical and human systems that make up urban environments. The subject covers how development impacts manifest as problems, and also the variety of ways in which these problems are understood and managed. Topics discussed include the impacts of globalisation on urban environments, urban transport, cities and human health, pollution causes and control, urban hydrology and biological systems, urban environmental activism and ideas of sustainable development. Students should gain an appreciation of cities as part of, rather than separate from, the physical environment; the complex interactions between social agents, historical processes, political structures and natural phenomena in urban spaces; and the often contested political and policy responses to urban environmental issues.

Assessment:

Practical reports totalling 1000 words 20% (due during semester), field trip report of 1000 words 30% (due mid-semester) and major essay of 2000 words 50% (due at end of semester).

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to: think critically about issues relating to Australian environmental politics and management;

  • develop a conceptual framework appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

  • learn research skills appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

  • write coherent and well-researched essays;

  • engage in effective oral presentations.

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): Diploma in Arts (Development Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Development
Anthropology and Development
Development Studies
Development Studies
Development Studies Major
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Major

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