131-279 The Browning of Australia: Australian Environment History

Note

Available as 131-379 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

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Subject Description

To trace British/European attitudes towards lands they 'discovered' in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the consequent treatment of the Australian land mass, its flora and fauna. The impact of exploitation of the environment by European means of production and environmental impact of urban growth. Responses to the landscape as reflected in the arts, and the desire to transform the landscape to conform to European perceptions. Debate over optimum population size. The emergence of environmental consciousness in Australia and current environmental issues.

Assessment

Assessment will consist of an oral class presentation (10%) plus either 4500 words of written work consisting of a 3000 word research essay (60%) and a 1500 word reflective essay (30%) OR a 4500 word research essay (90%).