Trans-disciplinary Thinking & Learning

Subject MULT90005 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, 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

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: 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 course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills 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

Assoc Prof Simon Batterbury

Contact

The Office for Environmental Programs

T: 03 8344 5073
F: 03 8344 5650
E: query-environment@unimelb.edu.au

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 knowledge 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 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
Postgraduate Certificate in Environment
Postgraduate Diploma in Environment
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Climate Change
Conservation, Restoration and Landscape Management
Development
Education
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Studies
Governance, Policy and Communication
Integrated Water Catchment Management
Public Health
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Forests
Waste Management

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