Students
SOC 254 – Science, Society and Environment
2015 – MQC2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer in Charge
Ben Manning
Course Moderator
Markus Hadler
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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 |
| Research Report | 25% | Week 13 |
| Book Review | 30% | Week 5 |
| Reflection Tasks | 20% | Various |
| Research Presentation | 15% | Week 12 |
Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
This mark is composed of contribution to class discussions, including leading discussion as part of a group one week.
Leading Discussion
Each student will be responsible for leading discussion once per session, either individually or as part of a group. On that occasion, students will prepare by reading at least one of the extra readings as well as the required reading, and facilitate discussion on the tutorial topic.
Participation in tutorials/seminars
Students are expected to participate in the class discussions facilitated by the presenting group each week. Participation marks are based on what you contribute to debate and discussion during tutorials, your engagement in the group learning environment and your thoughtful contributions that reflect careful reading and consideration of the course material. Comments should reflect prior preparation and familiarity with the material covered in the lectures and readings.
Marking Criteria:
- Demonstrated preparation for tutorials in terms of completing the weekly readings.
- Active involvement in discussions.
- Constructive tactful engagement with classmates.
- Listening attentively.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
- 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
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.
Research Report
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
A 2000 word report in which students investigate an environmental issue.
Submission
Students must submit an electronic copy of the report via iLearn (Turnitin).
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
- 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
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.
Book Review
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 30%
A 1500 word review of a book on an environmental issue. Suggestions for books will be provided as well as examples of academic book reviews
Submission
Students must submit an electronic copy of the review via iLearn (Turnitin) as well as a hard copy to be handed in during class.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
- 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
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 Tasks
Due: Various
Weighting: 20%
Four online assessments posted on iLearn.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
- 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
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.
Research Presentation
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 15%
Students are required to give a short (approximately 5 minute) presentation to the class on the same subject as their research report. This assessment is an opportunity to receive feedback on their major assessment before submitting it.
Submission
Students must submit a copy of their powerpoint presentation via 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.
Delivery and Resources
iLearn is the primary delivery method for all resources. The readings are all delivered through iLearn, as are descriptions of the topics and tutorials, as well as online quizzes.
The research report and book review must be submitted through turnitin on iLearn.
Unit Schedule
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Week |
Lecture Topic |
Readings |
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1 |
Sociology, Modernity and the Environment |
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2 |
Scientific Knowledge and the Science of Climate Change |
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3 |
Modernity and Biodiversity |
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4 |
Academic Skills for Social Science |
No readings |
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5 |
Population, Migration and Environment |
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6 |
Politics and Policy |
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7 |
Energy & Society |
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8 |
Neoliberalism, Markets and Policy |
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9 |
Research project workshop |
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10 |
Climate Change, Science and Environmental Risk |
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11 |
The Environmental Crisis & the Future |
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12 |
Presentations |
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13 |
Conclusions |
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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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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
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.
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
- 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
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Research Presentation
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 outcome
- 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
- Explore and explain the relationship between society, science and environment.
- Appreciate historically changing conceptions of environmental understandings and sustainability.
- Explore differences between societies in terms of environmental problems and solutions.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Reflection Tasks
- Research Presentation
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
- 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
- Participation
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Reflection Tasks
- Research Presentation
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.
- 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
- Participation
- Research Report
- Research Presentation
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 outcome
- Understand the place of values in the production of knowledge and the way the environment is conceived.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Research Presentation
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
- 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
- Participation
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Reflection Tasks
- Research Presentation
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.
- 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
- Participation
- Research Report
- Book Review
- Reflection Tasks
- Research Presentation