136-313 Environmental History of Australia (Sc3)

Formerly a available as 131-279/379/064. Students who have completed 131-279/379/064 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-213 Environmental History of Australia. Only available at science third year; for other levels see 136-213 Environmental History of Australia. This subject is based on 136-213 but involves additional work.

Usually two second-year HPS subjects.

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.

Written work totalling 6000 words comprising a documentary exercise of 500 words 10% (due mid-semester), a research essay of 3000 words 55% (due at the end of swot vac) and a 2500 word project on an advanced topic 25% (due one week later), class participation and contribution 10%.

A subject reader will be available.