James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EV5020 - Human Dimensions of Nature, Environment and Conservation

Subject Description

Knowledge of how ecosystems work that does not include consideration of the integral role of humans in these systems is unlikely to provide a complete understanding required to achieve conservation or sustainable use of natural resources. Successful environmental management requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes information about how humans interact with natural resources, and the complex feedbacks between their values, perceptions, needs, behaviours, and environmental outcomes. This subject draws on a multitude of contemporary theories from the rapidly evolving field of environmental social science; including social-ecological systems, resilience thinking, sustainable livelihoods, commons theory, and the psychology of environmentally significant behaviour. The lectures draw on the current research of the lecturers and guest speakers, exposing students to the latest developments in the field. This class is suitable for students from a multitude of disciplines across the natural and social sciences, and is designed to build the knowledge required to approach environmental problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the relevance and importance of taking an integrated, social- ecological approach to resolving environmental problems
• demonstrate knowledge of relevant, contemporary human dimensions theories, concepts, and methods
• apply environmental social science theory and methods to analysing real-world environmental issues
• communicate and critically evaluate the relevance and importance of environmental social science to others within an environmental management context

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Journal - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or will have acquired equivalent knowledge through industry experience. Relevant disciplines include: environmental science, environmental management, or biology (marine biology, zoology, or aquaculture).

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EV3020

Availabilities