Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

A place-based and experiential approach to environmental education is taken in this unit. This will be done in the general context of the Australian environment, significantly utilising the local marine and coastal environment as a basis for teaching and learning. The unit will utilise an experiential education approach, including extensive fieldwork both on campus and off campus in an exploration of and experience in the local environment. The initial focus will be a personal one moving on to a broader social and ecological focus.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, students should have:

• critically reflected upon their own environmental experiences and philosophies;
• explored ecosystems, developing flora and fauna investigation techniques;
• developed an understanding of the principles of ecology and sustainability;
• engaged in critical debate and discussion concerning issues of ecology, sustainability and education; critically examined environmental education; and
• ascertained place-based and experiential education pedagogical strategies and approaches in teaching and learning environmental education.

Fieldwork

The unit includes fieldwork both on and off campus with cross collaboration between BSOR units through the BSOR 1st year camp and other fieldwork experiences.

Assessment

Assessment 1 (equivalent 1,500 words): 40%; Assessment 2 (equivalent 2,500 words): 60%; and Hurdle: 80% attendance at workshops and satisfactory completion of fieldwork component

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Amy Cutter-Mackenzie

Contact hours

3 hours per week equivalent including required fieldwork days