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 multidisciplinary unit takes students on a journey across space and time to examine the relationship between human beings and the environment. How do we 'see' and 'know' nature? How do we describe and experience it? Two lenses are used to examine these questions. The first is Indigenous perspectives starting from creation in the Dreaming to understandings of the environment. The second lens is the science of natural history. The unit explores the discipline's philosophy, techniques and scientific rationale. It features a short lecture series followed by interactive field work in the Albany region during the semester break.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate a critical understanding of Indigenous and Western views on nature; (2) understand the philosophy and techniques of natural history; (3) be aware of Indigenous protocols to do with the environment; (4) find ways of forming a relationship with the environment through language, description and visual imagery and be able to explain this relationship in writing; and (5) critically explore in writing the areas of tension and convergence between Indigenous and Western approaches to the environment.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation and engagement assessments; (2) workshop presentation; and (3) final report. 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)
TBC
Unit rules
Prerequisites
any Level 1 unit or equivalent
Incompatibility
INDG1140 Knowing Country: The Dreaming and Darwin
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Albany Field Trip - 4 days, 3 nights (estimated cost - Up to $65 per day).
Contact hours
six weeks intensive with local Metro fieldtrip/s
Note
Students are advised that this unit may have an incidental fee of up to $60 per day for local fieldtrips (details to be confirmed by Unit Coordinator)
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.