This course critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments. It focuses on the big issue facing the globe - the equitable and sustainable use of this planet's resources. The course is the starting point for a variety of Science and Arts majors. It is also an introductory course for later year courses in the Fenner School of Environment and Society.

The course examines different ways of conceptualising the nature of resources, the environment and society. The contrasts and connections between scientific and social science theory and methods will be examined. Key factors mediating the inter-relationships between society and environment will be explored including resource use, population and technological change. Other key concepts critically explored will include social justice, equity and sustainability. These issues will be explored through case studies that will include: the role of Indigenous people in resource management, the international dimension of global climatic change, water and land degradation and biodiversity conservation.

The course has a strong skills-based focus with the aim of giving students the research and communication skills required to successfully complete later year courses. Particular attention will be given to critical thinking and writing skills. Staff from the ANU Libraries and the Academic Skills and Learning Centre will be involved in this element of the course. Guest speakers will be drawn from the Colleges of Science, Arts and Social Sciences and Asia and the Pacific and the CSIRO and a number of Federal Environmental agencies.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have subject knowledge about issues related to society, environment and resources.  A key issue in this regard is developing an understanding of the contested nature of views on the 'environment' including an understanding of how 'environmental' issues are often 'human' issues related to the political nature of decisions about dealing with competing demands over the allocation of finite resources.  As well as this subject knowledge, students will have accumulated a set of more generic learning skills that allow them to:

Proposed assessment is:

• Learning portfolio, with a major component being weekly preparation for tutorials (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4), and including extra weekly meetings to discuss key articles (LO 5)
• Essay (35%; LO 2, 3, 4)
• Tutorial participation (10%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• End of course powerpoint presentation on what students have learnt both about the course content and about learning (20%; LO I, 2, 3, 4)

5 contact hours a week comprising lectures and tutorials and weekly meeting with lecturer

Bachelor degree.

SRES6101

Grafton R.Q., Robin, L. and R.J. Wasson (eds) 2005 Understanding the Environment: Bridging the disciplinary divides, University of NSW Press, Sydney.

Course website:   http://fennerschool-lectures.anu.edu.au/lectures/2009/ENVS1001/