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Society and Environments (GEOG20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
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| Fees | Look up fees |
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; ecotourism; the politics of visualising nature (e.g. through wildlife documentary); the 'new natures' of genetic modification; and ideas about 'environmental justice' and ‘climate crisis’.
Intended learning outcomes
N/A
Generic skills
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be capable of critical reading;
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be capable of thinking, writing and speaking in theoretical terms;
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develop presentation skills;
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develop skills in written communication;
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be capable of approaching research problems in the field.
Last updated: 2 May 2023
Eligibility and requirements
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
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 2 May 2023
Assessment
Additional details
A critical review of 500 words (10%, due early in the semester), a field report of 1,500 words (30%, due early in the semester), a practical presentation and participation equivalent to 500 words (20%), and a take-home exam of 2,000 words (40%, due at end of semester).
Completion of each of these assessment tasks is a hurdle requirement of this subject.
All assessments will be marked for appropriate referencing and checked for plagiarism and style. A late penalty of 10% a day will be assessed on all late submissions.
Last updated: 2 May 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Catherine Phillips Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Three hours of lectures/practicals per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 2 May 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
N/A
- Subject 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 Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Human Geography Informal specialisation Integrated Geography Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Geography Major Environmental Geography Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Development Studies Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Minor Development Studies Minor Environmental Studies Major Sociology Major Urban Design and Planning major Major Human Geography Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Integrated Geography Breadth Track People and Environment - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 2 May 2023