GES3290

Society, nature and settlement in the New World

Not offered in 1999

Professor Joseph Powell

12 points - 3 hours per week (two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial) - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: Any second-year human geography subject, or permission of the head of department - Prohibited combination AST3290

Objectives In performing the tasks of this subject, students should be able to show that they can explain the consequences of human modifications of selected natural and built environments; describe how people's aspirations, beliefs and fears have influenced the changing patterns of settlement and land use; analyse and explain the evolution of competing and co-existing approaches to environmental learning; and identify a geographical evaluation of the emergence of conservationism and environmentalism in the modern era.

Synopsis The subject will explore a specifically 'humanistic' approach to explanation in geography by examining some aspects of the functions of environmental ideas and social aspirations in the initiation, expansion and elaboration of settlement in the New World countries of the United States and Australia. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the processes of pioneer settlement and impacts on the natural and built environments.

Assessment Written (7000 words): 70% - Examinations (2 hours): 20% - Seminar attendance and participation: 10%

Recommended texts

Conzen M P (ed.) The making of the American landscape Unwin Hyman, 1990
Nash R Wilderness and the American mind Yale U P, 1967
Powell J M The public lands of Australia Felix OUP, 1970
Powell J M Mirrors of the New World Dawson/ANUP, 1977
Powell J M An historical geography of modern Australia CUP, 1991

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