SCY3430

Society and environment

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Bob Birrell

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives This subject aims to provide students with a basic scientific knowledge about the source, nature and seriousness of major environmental issues in Australia; help students to develop an awareness of the social nature of these environmental issues; provide students with a sociological framework adequate to analyse these political and social processes and to introduce them to the major contending theories purporting to explain these processes; explore with students various case studies of environmental issues in order to help them understand the ways such issues evolve and to facilitate their review of the merits of contending explanatory theories.

Synopsis This option will cover the social processes which influence the policies affecting the state of Australia's renewable and non-renewable resource base and the state of the environment as it affects the quality of life of Australians (for example, as this is felt or perceived through pollution levels, access to recreational space and the preservation of wilderness areas). Students will be expected to become familiar with the scientific foundation of the environmental issues under consideration. However, the main focus of the subject will be an analysis of the social factors shaping the emergence of environmental problems, the changing public perception of these problems and the processes influencing the outcomes of any societal response.

Assessment Essay based on class presentation (2000 words): 40%
* Essay (4000 words): 60%

Recommended texts

Cocks D Use with care NSWUP, 1992
Department of Environment, Sport and Territories State of the environment report, 1995
Mercer D `A question of balance': Natural resource conflict issues in Australia Federation, 1995
Toyne P Reluctant nation ABC, 1994