James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

EV3202:03

Caring for Country *

December block mode.Potential students should register their name with the School secretary before formally enrolling in the subject.

Staff: Dr D Smyth.

An exploration of Australia’s past and present from the perspective of the active involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ecological roles of indigenous management practices. The environment consequences of removing Aboriginal people from landscapes which had adapted to their presence. The impact of traditional technologies on Aboriginal traditional practices. The use of Aboriginal fire management in modern environments. Conservation initiatives on the land and sea country of contemporary indigenous peoples in Australia. Indigenous involvement in the management of terrestrial and marine protected areas.

Learning Objectives:

1. to develop an understanding of the place of land, sea and nature in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture;
2. to develop an understanding of the historical, cultural, social, ecological, economic and political issues surrounding the conservation of natural and cultural resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environments;
3. to develop awareness of current developments in conservation and resource management initiatives on Aboriginal land, in Torres Strait, in National Parks and in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area;
4. to provide students with opportunities to meet with environmental management;
5. to promote debate, thought and wisdom with respect to caring for country.

Assessment by examination (25%); on-course work (75%) (seminar, field trip report, participation in discussions, major project).