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Environment and Society (GEOG20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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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 1) different conceptual frameworks for understanding the environment as a social entity, especially the interdisciplinary field of political ecology, 2) the processes by which capitalism and science structures social and environmental relations, and 3) alternative modes of living in, and thinking about, the environment. These broad themes will be addressed through engaging examples from Australia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Particular attention will be given to the concept of 'wilderness', the Anthropocene, climate change, environmental justice, intersectional inequalities, and environmental movements.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students should be able to:
- Compare a range of concepts and theories about how society and nature relate
- Summarise, explain, and illustrate different ways 'nature' is understood and mobilised in environmental debates
- Apply knowledge to analyse field observations and develop an argument about society-nature relations in a case study
- Demonstrate the ability to construct critical and coherent verbal and written arguments
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: 21 January 2025