Trans-disciplinary Thinking & Learning

Subject MULT90005 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points:	12.50
Level:	9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:	This subject is not offered in 2011.
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/

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Land & Food Resources (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@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. Recognise 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
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 Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Climate Change Conservation, Restoration and Landscape Management Development Education Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation Energy Studies Environmental Science Environmental Science Governance, Policy and Communication Integrated Water Catchment Management Public Health Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions Sustainable Forests Waste Management

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