Students
SOC 254 – Science, Society and Environment
2014 – MQC1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Ben Manning
Contact via benjamin.manning@mq.edu.au
Moderator
Markus Hadler
Contact via markus.hadler@mq.edu.au
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the relationship between science and society through environmental sustainability. We focus on two big questions: how can we understand science and scientific developments as social processes and institutions; and how can we understand the implications of scientific advance and insights on society in light of environmental issues? We examine how science developed through Modernity, how scientific knowledge is formed and how it's used in the policy process. We look at the continuum of values from conventional instrumental to deep ecological values and investigate their uses in environmental policy. The first question is addressed through an analysis of what we mean by scientific knowledge, how this might differ from other knowledge systems and how science is actually practiced and new insights developed. The second question we address through debates on climate change and sustainability. We ask how and why scientists have raised questions about environmental sustainability. What is the basis of these claims and of criticisms of science? How have scientists engaged in broader social and political debates to advance their environmental insights? How have scientists influenced our societies to become more sustainable, and why have they not been more successful?
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | ongoing |
| Reflection | 20% | Weeks 2, 4, 7 & 9 |
| Essay | 30% | Week 5 |
| Tutorial Presentation | 15% | Week 11 or 12 |
| Report | 25% | Week 12 |
Participation
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 10%
5% attendance of tutorials and lectures, 5% participation in tutorials.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Reflection
Due: Weeks 2, 4, 7 & 9
Weighting: 20%
Four online assessments posted on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Essay
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 30%
Summary of a book, or three or more journal articles, plus a discussion of its content in relation to lecture topics
(1500 words)On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
Tutorial Presentation
Due: Week 11 or 12
Weighting: 15%
A short presentation of the findings from your research report
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Report
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 25%
Comparative Analysis of an environmental issue in Australia and one other country (1000 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Delivery and Resources
Delivery of the unit: Day
This unit will use: iLearn, iLecture
LECTURES
TUTORIALS
Unit Schedule
Week 1: 21st of March
Introduction: Thinking Sociologically about the Environment
Week 2: 28th of March
Humans and the Resources of the Earth
Week 3: 4th of April
Modernity and Biodiversity
Week 4: 11th of April
Energy and Society
Week 5: No classes (Good Friday holiday)
Week 6: No classes (Anzac Day holiday)
Week 7: 2nd of May
Climate Change, Science and Risk
Week 8: 9th of May
Population, Migration and Environment
Week 9:16th of May
Transforming Structures: Markets & Politics
Week 10: 23rd of May
The Environmental Crisis & the Future
Week 11: 30th of May
Research Report Presentations
Week 12: 6th of June
Research Report Presentations
week 13: 13th of June
Conclusions
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Grades
Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:
· HD - High Distinction
· D - Distinction
· CR - Credit
· P - Pass
· F – Fail
Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie
University Grading Policy which is available at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
For further information, please refer to the following link:
http://universitycouncil.mq.edu.au/legislation.html
Grade Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing
If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade and/or viewing your final exam script please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.
http://www.city.mq.edu.au/reviews-appeals.html
Attendance at Macquarie City Campus
All Students are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled course contact hours each Session. Additionally Macquarie City Campus monitors the course progress of international students to ensure that the student complies with the conditions of their visa relating to attendance.
This minimum level of attendance includes all lectures and tutorials. Tutorial attendance will be recorded weekly. If any scheduled class falls on a public holiday this will be rescheduled as advised by your Lecturer. Attendance at any mid-Session or in-class test is compulsory unless otherwise stated.
Unavoidable non-attendance due to illness or circumstances beyond your control must be supported by appropriate documentation to be considered for a supplementary test. Other non-attendance will obtain zero for the test. You should refer to the section below on Special Consideration for more details about this.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
Student Support at Macquarie City Campus
Students who require assistance are encouraged to contact the Student Services Manager at Macquarie City Campus. Please see reception to book an appointment.
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
At any time students (or groups of students) can book our Student Advising rooms on Level 6 by emailing info@city.mq.edu.au with a day and time and nominated contact person. There are additional student study spaces available on Level 1.
Macquarie University Campus Wellbeing also has a presence on the City Campus each week. If you would like to make an appointment, please email info@city.mq.edu.au or visit their website at: http://www.campuslife.mq.edu.au/campuswellbeing
StudyWISE provides:
· Online learning resources and academic skills workshops http://www.mq.edu.au/learning_skills
· Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
IT Help at Macquarie City Campus
If you wish to receive IT help, we would be glad to assist you at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/ or call 02 9850-4357.
When using the university's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students and it outlines what can be done.
Students must use their Macquarie University email addresses to communicate with staff as it is University policy that the University issued email account is used for official University communication.
Students are expected to act responsibly when utilising Macquarie City Campus IT facilities. The following regulations apply to the use of computing facilities and online services:
· Accessing inappropriate web sites or downloading inappropriate material is not permitted.
· Material that is not related to coursework for approved unit is deemed inappropriate.
· Downloading copyright material without permission from the copyright owner is illegal, and strictly prohibited. Students detected undertaking such activities will face disciplinary action, which may result in criminal proceedings.
Non-compliance with these conditions may result in disciplinary action without further notice.
If you would like to borrow headphones for use in the Macquarie City Campus computer labs (210, 307, 311, 608) at any point, please ask at Level 2 Reception. You will be required to provide your MQC Student ID card. This will be held as a deposit while using the equipment.
For assistance in the computer labs, please see a Lab Demonstrator (usually they can be found in Lab 311, otherwise ask at Level 2 Reception).
Graduate Capabilities
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived