136-296 Redefining Nature: Ethnological Perspectives on People in Environments

Note

Available as 136-396 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

None.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

In a world where 'green' and 'black' agendas increasingly intersect, simplistic representations of indigenous environmental interests and practices must be avoided. This subject will address anthropological issues raised by the discourse of environmentalism, exploring factors that pattern the diversity of ways in which individuals and societies perceive and interact with their environments. Ethnographic examples will be used to discuss constructions of nature and culture and of the self in space, the bases, uses and limitations of 'traditional ecological knowledge', patterns of land tenure and issues of land management.

Assessment

Written work which may include an essay, class papers and take-home examinations totalling no more than 5,0000 words.