Australian Environmental Philosophy

Subject AIND20010 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

MULT10001 Australian Indigenous Studies or MULT10001 Aboriginalities

Non Allowed Subjects:

106-314 Australian Environmental Philosophy; AIND30006 Australian Environmental Philosophy

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

Mr Philip Morrissey

Contact

Mr Philip Morrissey

philipjm@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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;
  • the ability to engage in an informed and reasonable discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities, that relate to the Aboriginal and Settler communities;
  • applied critical and analytical skills and methods to an independent research project, which communicates complex ideas clearly and comprehensively.
Assessment:

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 80% 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.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

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:

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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Studies
Environmental Geographies, Politics and Cultures major
Environmental Geography

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