136-213 Environmental History of Australia

Formerly available as 131-279/379/064. Students who have completed 131-279/379/064 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. For science third year, see 136-313 Environmental History of Australia (Sc3).

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline areas.

This subject will examine the forces which shaped the Australian environment before colonisation, and modern scientific debates over Aboriginal impacts on the environment. Taking as a central theme the role of science and technology, it will examine British/European attitudes towards lands they 'discovered', and the consequent treatment of the Australian land mass, flora and fauna. Students should complete the subject with a knowledge of such issues as the contribution of agricultural science to development in Australia; the impact on the environment of European means of production; the technology of urban development and the 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; the scientific and cultural debates over optimum population size; and the evolution of conservation and environmental consciousness and action in Australia. There will be a special study of Melbourne water - potable, waste and streams.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• be able to conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

A fieldwork short essay of 500 words 10% and a documentary exercise of 500 words 10% (due mid-semester), a research essay of 3000 words 70% (due at the end of semester), class participation and contribution 10%.

A subject reader will be available.