This course critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments. It focuses on the big issue facing the globe - the equitable and sustainable use of this planet's resources. We examine different ways of conceptualising the nature of resources, the environment and society. The contrasts and connections between scientific and social science theory and methods will be examined. Key factors mediating the inter-relationships between society and environment will be explored including resource use, population and technological change. Other key concepts critically explored will include social justice, equity and sustainability. These issues will be explored through case studies that will include: the role of Indigenous people in resource management, the international dimension of global climatic change, water and land degradation and biodiversity conservation. Guest speakers will be drawn from the many ANU Colleges and the government, community and business sectors.
Honours Pathway Option
This course participates in the Honours Pathway option run by the College of Science. Further information and expressions-of-interest will be sought at the commencement of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate understanding of different perspectives proposing to explain causes and consequences of environmental change.
- Demonstrate understanding of awareness of theories explaining and informing environmental governance and the formulation of policy instruments.
- Demonstrate understanding of social, cultural and linguistic diversity in environment-society relations in Australia and the world.
- Contribute to class discussions and demonstrate a capacity to evaluate and respond constructively to different viewpoints.
- Produce a high standard of written material, demonstrating independent research skills.
Work Integrated Learning
Fieldwork
All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a minor component of the course
Other Information
There are additional field trip fees (<$200) applicable to participation in this course (payment to ANU Science Shop).
- Field-based teaching and learning activity forms an integral and important part of many courses delivered by the Fenner School of Environment & Society. Fieldwork activities are designed to allow you put the skills you’ve learned in the classroom into practice in new environments and provide powerful enrichment to student learning.
Indicative Assessment
- Field trip report (hurdle) (40) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Tutorial Assessment Tasks (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Weekly quizzes (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 2 hour seminar plus 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week.
- A compulsory 3 day field trip during the mid-semester teaching break at the Kioloa Coastal Campus.
- Approximately 50 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To complete this course, students must participate in the 1 day field trip to a domestic field location. In order to participate in the trip, students must be able to:
- Travel to the field location;
- Move through different natural environments, often navigating rough terrain, carrying sampling equipment and working in variable weather conditions;
- Monitor and manage their own health while studying and engaging with a small group of people in an isolated field location;
- Understand and respect the needs of other participants and act professionally throughout the trip.
For more information and requirements, please refer to the field trips information page.
Students who can provide evidence they are unable to meet this requirement may be able to choose other options or negotiate alternative participation and assessment requirements with the course convenor.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed text books, rather, a variety of recommended reading will be made available via Learning Management system.
Assumed Knowledge
General science knowledge.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4980 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2728 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |