Macquarie University

Environment and Society - GEOP200

With an emphasis on the Australasian region, this exciting interdisciplinary unit explores how societies and ecologies are entwined and develops creative ways of approaching environmental dilemmas. It is designed to be self-contained, for students from a range of backgrounds, including those without a scientific background. Bringing together perspectives from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, it examines the concepts of environment and sustainability, together with their past and possible future socio-political and economic framings. The historical and contemporary contexts of key environmental issues in Australia are explained along with their connections to global events and perspectives, including climate change, invasive species, water management, environmental protection movements, and links between consumption and production. Current planning frameworks and management processes, including legal and legislative mechanisms are also considered, along with emerging strategies and social movements that aim to address existing and expected problems. Students are engaged in learning through guest lecturers who are experts in their field, through interactive case study examples, and active communication in tutorials.