Trans-disciplinary thinking & learning

Subject 950-600 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - 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

Two hour class each week plus some one hour tutorial sessions as required.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 hours x 11 weeks = 22 contact hours. For every hour of contact, students will require four hours of reading and preparation.
Total Time Commitment: Approximately 88 hours, plus preparation of assignments.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N/A

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Simon P J Batterbury
Subject Overview: This subject will consider the complexity of environmental knowledge, understanding of problems, and solutions by:
• Engaging with an environmental dilemma in which discipline based framings of the issue and ways of understanding the problem are challenged.
Exploring the complexity embodied within this dilemma.
• Explaining historical and philosophical debates about ways of knowing (epistemology) and what we think we know about existence (ontology).
• Interrogating seminal readings about the development of disciplinary knowledge and knowledge traditions.
Objectives: 1. Understand the importance of trans-disciplinary learning and thinking.
2. Recognize opportunities for trans disciplinary thinking within environmental discourse.
Assessment:
    • A 2,000-word assignment which examines each student's discipline through alternative ontological and epistemological lenses. This assignment will be due in the middle of the semester and will be worth 35%.
    • A 4,000-word assignment in a group context (but individually reported upon) in which a current environmental dilemma is analysed by reference to trans-disciplinary approaches. It will be worth 65% and will be due at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: N/A
Recommended Texts:

A reader will be prepared for this unit
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students in this unit should:
1. Enhance their multi/trans-disciplinary thinking and learning skills.
2. Further develop their critical thinking though readings, class discussions, collaboration and assessment.
3. Further develop analytical approaches to environmental issues of complexity and uncertainty.
Links to further information: http://www.environment.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Master of Environment
Master of Environment

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