207-205 Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Mgt

This subject provides an understanding of human social and psychological processes, and how these can be utilized to enhance resource management. Student understanding of these processes will be extended through interaction with guest speakers from a range of resource management professions, field trips, and through application of theory to resource management case studies.

The content includes:

• human motivation;

• adult learning;

• perception and cognition;

• social influence; and

• group processes.

These will be examined in the context of influencing human environmental behaviour to protect natural resources or promote adoption of new technologies, designing and evaluating extension projects, dealing with conflict in resource management, planning for leisure and recreation, and interpreting natural resources.

Students will undertake a two-day industry placement to observe communication or extension staff in the workplace.

One three-hour examination worth 50% of final mark. Two assignments each equivalent to 3000 words and each worth 25% of final mark.