Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit aims to introduce students to anthropological and sociological perspectives on human engagements with the natural environment. It draws on case material from societies around the world to illustrate a variety of environmental beliefs and practices. The unit familiarises students with the main theoretical currents in environmental anthropology and provides them with a selection of frameworks for thinking about human interactions with nature. It encourages students to think analytically about the values and knowledge that human communities, urban and rural, hold about landscapes, plants and animals. The unit is relevant to students from a range of disciplines including agriculture and the environmental sciences. It provides students with insights into the range of skills and background knowledge necessary for applying anthropological training to environment-related research topics.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain key concepts, theories and debates within environmental anthropology and/or sociology with a special focus on climate change and extinctions; (2) discuss key conceptual and methodological innovations in environmental anthropology and/or sociology.; (3) analyse the history of ideas related to the study of local and global environmental issues and related ethical considerations from a comparative, cross-cultural perspective; (4) discuss human-animal and human-environmental relations from a comparative, cross-cultural perspective; and (5) apply these understandings in considered oral and written arguments that draw on theory and ethnography..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online quiz; (2) critical reflection; and (3) research proposal and essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Adam Keen
Unit rules
Incompatibility
ANTH3701 Environmental Anthropology
Advisable prior study
1st year Anthropology Unit
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.