GES1082

Geographical perspectives on environmental issues

Dr Stephen Legg

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Peninsula

Objectives On completion of this subject students be able to identify and describe environmental change; explain how natural systems respond to change; identify and explain changing environmental perceptions; critically analyse potential conflicts in environmental management and suggest appropriate management regimes and responses.

Synopsis The aim of this subject is to introduce students to a variety of approaches to understanding contemporary environmental issues. These approaches are taken from both the natural and social sciences, with the topics linked by a geographical framework. The subject begins with an historical context of environmental ideas and the human impact. It pursues some fundamental ecological and geographical concepts and investigates a selection of the earth's major ecosystems. Resource development issues are investigated and the final section deals with political and legal aspects of environmental policy at a variety of scales. A range of interpretations of human environmental behaviour is highlighted. Students are encouraged to participate in a weekend field trip dealing with techniques in the analysis of relevant environmental processes and the interpretation of potential resource conflicts.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 40%
* Examinations (2 hours): 40%
* Practical/tutorial work: 20%

Prescribed texts

Aplin G Australians and their environment: An introduction to environmental studies OUP, 1997

Recommended texts

Goudie A The human impact - man's role in environmental change Blackwell, 1994
Mercer DC A question of balance: Natural resources conflict issues in Australia Federation Press, 1995
Miller G T Living in the environment: concepts, problems and alternatives Wadsworth, 1994
Myers N (ed.) The Gaia atlas of planet management Pan Books, 1985
O'Riordan T Environmental science for environmental management Longmans, 1995
Young A R M Environmental change in Australia since 1788 OUP, 1996