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
The decisions and actions we take over the next 50 years could impact on human wellbeing and world futures for generations. This unit examines the theory and practice of individual, organisational and community action to enhance human wellbeing within a sustainable environment. Students discuss past human activities that damaged local environments and social cohesion and current activities, such as burning of fossil fuels that threaten the environment and quality of human life at a global level. They collaborate in tutorials and forum discussions to understand and appreciate the great diversity of human lifestyles and cultures and seek common values and aspirations that could inform and unite global action. They investigate opportunities and limitations for positive action through government and non-government agencies and business and assess the influence of religious and secular allegiances and the power of the media in motivating or impeding action. They explore new opportunities in formal and informal education, the internet and social networking to shape public opinion and drive action. The academic objective of the unit is to empower students to act for human and world futures within their chosen careers and personal lives. They achieve this through collaboration on the above activities and putting into practice what they have learned to develop an action plan to help resolve a local, regional or global issue of their choice.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students (1) understand and can discuss examples of past and current human actions that have impacted on the environment and human wellbeing; (2) recognise that global diversity of lifestyles, cultures values and aspirations must be incorporated in action plans for world futures; (3) understand the interrelationship of government, non-government organisations, business and civil society and the opportunities they present for effective action; (4) appreciate the importance of religious and secular allegiances and the power of the media in motivating and influencing action; (5) have developed investigative and communication skills and can present well-developed arguments to motivate and influence action; and (6) can work collaboratively to develop an action plan to help resolve human or environmental issues at a local, regional or global level.
- Assessment
This comprises 10 weekly assignments (assessed weekly); two integrative reports (due mid- and end of semester); review of achievements (due end of semester); collaboration, forums and tutorials (assessed weekly); project presentation (due end of semester); and project report (due mid- and end of semester).
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Neville Bruce
- Texts
Essential readings are provided online through the LMS (Learning Management System) and CMO (Course Materials Online).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.