Understanding Environmental Controversy - ENVP1001

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: HPSC1500, SCTS1107
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description


Examines the nature of global and local environmental problems with particular emphasis on understanding controversies about environmental risk. Patterns of population and consumption, production and waste; what constitutes an environmental problem?; risk and risk perception; environmentalism; the uses of knowledge, science and environmental controversy; international attacks on global problems; stakeholders and stances; environmental problems in your backyard; local and global action. In the last seven weeks students will participate in group projects examining particular environmental risk controversies.


Learning Outcomes


With successful completion of this course, students should:
  • Gain an understanding of the social, historical and political context of selected environmental issues
  • Be able to apply ideas about how controversies arise, evolve and close to the study of environmental matters
  • Be able to explain the role and characteristics of science in environmental controversies
  • Work more effectively as a member of a team
  • Feel more confident about making presentations.

Assessment


  • Essay (1200-1500 words) - 20%
  • In-class test - 20%
  • Group project - 35%
  • Tutorial tasks and participation - 25%