Australian Environmental Philosophy

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Total expected time commitment is 102-hours across the semester, including class time.

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MULT10001 Australian Indigenous Studies

106-314 Australian Environmental Philosophy; AIND30006 Australian Environmental Philosophy

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/

This subject considers progressive developments that are being generated through Indigenous and non-Indigenous dialogue and intersections in the context of Australian environmental thought. Students will critique and reconsider aspects of dominant Western ways of knowing and understanding, particularly deep-rooted assumptions surrounding the 'nonhuman'. Students will gain awareness of how these assumptions shape our lives and relationships with the world, and will examine connections between epistemology, life practices and environmental ethics. Through a study of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental thinkers, and drawing from Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships with the land, students will think about ethical, social and political issues in relation to the ecology.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• an understanding of major historical developments in modern Western epistemology and their ethical consequences;
• an understanding of the relationship between epistemology and life practices, in the context of Australian society;
• an understanding of the work of leading Australian ecophilosophers, and a grasp of new areas in environmental ethics;
• an understanding of the connections between ecophilosophy and Indigenous philosophy, and the unique potential increasing dialogue in this context could offer Australia, its country and people.

Tutorial participation and a 10-minute paper presentation, 10% (done throughout the semester), an essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), and an essay of 2500 words 60% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a developed understanding of relevant critical theories and methods and make informed decisions about their use and application in relation to Indigenous subject matter;
• be able to work effectively as an individual and member of class in producing new learning outcomes;
• engage in high-level use of a wide range of research applications and resources and make informed decisions in respect to their usage;
• be able to engage in an informed and reasonable discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities, that relate to the Aboriginal and Settler communities;
• have the ability to produce high quality written material that encompasses the complexities and sensitivities of Australian Indigenous Studies.