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Understanding Environmental Controversy - HPSC1500
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: ENVP1001, SCTS1107
 
 
Excluded: SCTS1002
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the nature of global and local environmental problems with particular emphasis on understanding controversies about environmental risk. Patterns of population and consumption, production and waste; what constitutes an environmental problem?; risk and risk perception; environmentalism; the uses of knowledge, science and environmental controversy; international attacks on global problems; stakeholders and stances; environmental problems in your backyard; local and global action. In the last seven weeks students will participate in group projects examining particular environmental risk controversies.


Learning Outcomes

With successful completion of this course, students should:
  • Gain an understanding of the social, historical and political context of selected environmental issues
  • Be able to apply ideas about how controversies arise, evolve and close to the study of environmental matters
  • Be able to explain the role and characteristics of science in environmental controversies
  • Work more effectively as a member of a team
  • Feel more confident about making presentations.

Assessment

  • Essay (1200-1500 words) - 20%
  • In-class test - 20%
  • Group project - 35%
  • Tutorial tasks and participation - 25%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.