121-021 Environmental Politics and Management

Formerly available as 121-219/319. Students who have completed 121-219 or 121-319 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

All BSc students, except those enrolled in the BA/BSc combined course and the BASc course, can only receive credit at the 200-level for this subject.

Completion of 100 points of first and/or second year subjects including at least 50 points at 100-level from approved subjects in your home faculty. Australian studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed first year Australian studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject explores a range of contemporary Australian environmental issues, examining the history of their emergence and management during the past two centuries of European settlement. Case studies associated with population growth and urban development, agriculture, forestry, energy use, nature conservation and biodiversity preservation are used to illuminate ways of understanding and managing our unique continent's ecosystems. The subject examines linkages between the scientific, cultural, economic and political dimensions of these environmental problems. Students should become familiar with mechanisms used to contain or resolve recent environmental conflicts, and be able to interpret them in the context of broader questions relating to ecological governance and sustainable development.

• be able to think critically about issues relating to Australian environmental politics and management;

• develop a conceptual framework appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

• be able to learn research skills appropriate to understanding and interpreting Australian environmental issues;

• be able to write coherent and well-researched essays;

• be able to engage in effective oral presentations.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising an oral presentation of a tutorial paper 10% (during the semester), an essay of 3000 words 60% (due during semester), a take-home examination of 1000 words 25% (due at the end of semester), and tutorial attendance 5%. Each component of assessment must be completed for a student to be able to pass this subject.