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 investigates the key human relationships, practices and modes of thoughts that lie at the heart of contemporary environmental challenges and their solutions. Through a rich program of local site visits, reading, and discussion, students will learn to approach contemporary environmental issues critically, creatively, and contextually, using the tools and techniques of humanities disciplines and the interdisciplinary environmental humanities. The unit employs a hands-on approach to research that involves direct engagement with Perth's coastal, estuarine, wetland and woodland more-than-human communities. Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from inspiring expert speakers and develop a significant site-based project that applies ideas and practices from the environmental humanities to real-world problems.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Social and Environmental Sustainability major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify cultural and environmental dimensions of local ecological issues from a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives; (2) critique modes of thought commonly used in the environmental humanities; (3) analyse contemporary socio-environmental problems critically and creatively within the content of the environmental humanities; (4) identify how various disciplines such as ecology, the humanities, and environmental humanities utilise different approaches to ecological problems ; and (5) collaborate with others to develop sustainable solutions socio-environmental problems.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral presentation; (2) site-based project; and (3) workshop participation. 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)
Dr Joseph Christensen, Professor Andrea Gaynor
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
two level 1 Unit(s)
Advisable prior study
HIST1901 Environmental History (ID 1541)
Contact hours
1x 3 hour workshop per week for 12 weeks
  • 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.