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 examines the rich human ecology of the Pilbara region, with special emphasis on Indigenous and environmental issues, and their interface with the mining industry. A critical examination of the culture of extraction that has characterised the region since European contact forms the unit's conceptual centre of gravity. The overarching academic objective is to equip students with the skills necessary to become more informed and more reflective decision makers by introducing them to the economic, environmental and cultural complexities that underlie one of Australia's, and the world's, most dynamic and resource-rich regions.

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 understand and critically examine contemporary aspects of the Pilbara region, with an emphasis on Indigenous and environmental issues, and their interface with the mining industry. Case study project work focuses that understanding through a consideration of public policy, private enterprise initiatives, cultural practices, land use, heritage management, media ownership and operation, family formation, education and training, and social justice issues. Student projects are required to demonstrate a critical engagement with three of these foci.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a literature review (20 per cent); (2) a reflective journal of residency (20 per cent); and (3) a research project (60 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit rules
Prerequisites
any Level 1 unit in Anthropology, Archaeology, Indigenous Studies
or Communication Studies.
or HIST1002 An Age of Violence: the Making of the Modern World, 1789–2010 plus, as a co-requisite, HIST1901 Environmental History
Approved quota: 20
Contact hours
workshops: 8 x 2 hours
  • 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.