ENVS1003

Environmental Values & Ethics

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2
Ourimbah Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011

The course introduces students to the ideological causes of environmental destruction (despotism) and responses to them in the form of late twentieth century environmental philosophies such as Stewardship, Native Ecology, Animal Liberation, The Land Ethic, Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, Social Ecology and the idea of an Australian environmental ethic. The examination of 'environmental' values and ethics is linked to a critical evaluation of contemporary social values and the idea of an ecologically sustainable society. The application of contemporary ethics to professional practice, experimentation and social action is critically considered.

Objectives On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the historical origins of destructive attitudes and practices toward the natural environment;
2. Examine the historical development of environmental philosophy in the twentieth and twenty first century;
3. Appreciate the role of environmental philosophy in evaluating attitudes toward the environment;
4. Assess the compatibility of human and environmental/ecological values;
5. Apply ideas in environmental philosophy to the management and design of social systems;
6. Apply environmental ethics and values to relevant areas in science and technology.
Content This course covers material relevant to environmental ethics. Topics include:

(1) The origins of despotic attitudes toward the environment:
a) Religions
b) Patriarchy
c) Science and Technology
d) Economic growth and Progress

(2) Responses to the above in the form of environmental philosophies:
a) Native Ecology
b) Stewardship and Sustainability
c) Animal Liberation
d) The Land Ethic
e) Deep Ecology
f) Eco-feminism
g) Social Ecology
h) The idea of an Australian environmental ethic.
Replacing Course(s) ENVS1020, & SRMT1020
Transition Not to count with credit for ENVS1020 or with SRMT1020
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge NA
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal
Group/tutorial participation and contribution
Contact Hours Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Self Directed Learning: for 4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS1003