Society and Environments

Subject GEOG20001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures/practicals per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

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

Corequisites: N/A
Recommended Background Knowledge: N/A
Non Allowed Subjects: N/A
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Ms Justine Boyd

Contact

Email: f.macdonald@unimelb.edu.au

Phone" 8344 9318

Subject Overview:

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'.

Objectives: N/A
Assessment:

A field report of 2000 words 50% (due by end of week 4), a take-home essay exam of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester), a practical presentation and participation equivalent to 500 words 10%.

Prescribed Texts: N/A
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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.

Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject.

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

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development Studies
Development Studies
Development Studies
Environmental Geographies, Politics and Cultures
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Major
Geography
Geography Major
History && Philosophy of Science
Landscape Management
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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