EDF3603

Wilderness expedition

6 points - 3 hours per week or equivalent - 13 days fieldwork - Second Semester - Gippsland - Prerequisite(s) EDG2505 or equivalent.

Objectives: At the end of this subject students will have acquired the ability to safely plan and implement an extended journey in remote outdoor settings in a particular season, be able to demonstrate careful judgement in a chosen outdoor pursuit and the ability to work effectively as a group member. Students are required to present a detailed theoretical and reflective understanding of the physical, psychological, social, ecological, cultural and policy dimensions of the expedition experience and demonstrate the confidence and competence to lead novice and intermediate groups in shorter duration and less remote outdoor activities.

Synopsis: The wilderness expedition is made up of three interrelated phases of interdisciplinary inquiry and field experiences. The preparation phase examines the safe planning of an extended small group journey in relatively remote/natural environments in SE Australia for 10-14 days. The planning includes preparation for various field studies to be conducted during the expedition. The action phase is the actual conduct of the expedition and the completion of field studies. The reflection phase includes an evaluation of the educational significance of the expedition and a more considered theoretical investigation of the field studies conducted during the action phase. Students will also be required to act as leaders in the organisation and implementation of a small scale localised expedition under supervision.

Assessment Expedition plan (group) and field study outlines (individual) (1500 words) 25%: Expedition report including presentation of field study findings (2000 words). 50% ; Documentation of planning, implementation and reporting of small scale local expedition (1000 words). 25%.

Recommended text:

Cockerill, D. (Ed) (1991) The Wilderness Educator: The Wilderness Education Association Curriculum Guide, ICS Books, Merrillville, Indiana.
Graham, J. (1997), Outdoor Leadership: Technique, Common Sense and Self Confidence, The Mountaineers, Seattle.
Hammit, W. and Cole, D. (1998) Wildland Recreation : ecology and management (2nd edn), John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Hendee, G., Stankey, R. and Lucas. J. (1990) Wilderness Management (2nd edn), North American Press, Colo.
Leslie, R. and Maslen, M. (1995) National wilderness inventory Australia : handbook of procedures, content, and usage (2^nd edn), Australian Govt. Pub. Service, Canberra.
March, W. J. and Wattchow, B. J. (1990) 'Importance of the Expedition in Adventure Education.' The Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership. Vol. 8 No. 2, United Kingdom.
March, W. J. and Wattchow, B. J. (1989) Group Management in the Wilderness: Survival Outdoor Series. Faculty of Communications and Media, University of Calgary.

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