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.

Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught during the Summer Semester. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject must be made in line with HECS/course fee census dates.

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;

• 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 5% and a fieldwork exercise of 500 words 5% (due soon after the end of teaching), a research essay of 3000 words 55% (due at the end of swot vac) and a 2000-word project on an advanced topic 25% (due one week later), class participation and contribution 10%. A hurdle requirement of attendance at six tutorials and one fieldwork trip is applicable.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.