What is meant by the social construction of nature and why is the concept important?  Write a short one page report that critically analyses how nature is socially constructed in contemporary society. You report should draw on one or more examples from advertising, websites, media, novels, official documents, film, television etc to illustrate your answer.  

This short essay is one page only (use 12 point font) (not including references).  If you would like to attach images they can be included as an Appendix or can be integrated into your one page summary.

Why do you care about the environment?

Write an essay of up to 1500 words that critically reflects on your own attitudes to the environment. Discuss the eco-philosophies that most inform your attitudes and pro-environmental actions and practices.  Draw from the eco-philosophical literature to inform your reflections.

Write a 2000 word essay that answers ONE of the following questions:

1) How do environmental ethics shape research in your discipline?  Draw on case studies to illustrate your answer.

2) Consider your research interests from a particular ethical standpoint (eg more-than-human, ecofeminist, Indigenous, animal rights etc.). How does adopting this standpoint influence how you should conduct your research?

3) Choose a recent research book / special issue of a journal in your interest area.  Identify the environmental ethics that inform the research that has been conducted.  Do you agree with the ethics involved?  How could they be improved?

Environmental issues can be interpreted through a range of different eco-philosophical lenses.  In this assignment you will work with other class members to develop a group presentation that demonstrates your understanding and ability to communicate eco-philosophies by analysing a contemporary environmental issue.  You are welcome to choose any issue that interests your group (some suggestions are below).  You are encouraged to be creative in your presentation and are welcome to use unconventional presentation techniques such as debates, role plays, audience interaction, skits etc.  The length of your group presentation will be determined in class but will not normally exceed 30 minutes.  Your grade will be comprised of a overall group mark weighted by peer assessment of your contribution.  More details will be made available during class.

Suggested topics: logging; genetically modified organisms; large dams; whaling; geoengineering; factory farming; hunting; indigenous rights, veganism; nuclear energy; mining; artificial meat; coal seam gas; pest management; fire management; Anthropocene; population growth; rewilding; etc

An important component of the class are the required readings that all students must read each week.  Students will be separated into small groups in which a coordinator will be identified.  The coordinator will be responsible for assigning group members the role of discussants for each week whose responsibility will be to lead discussions on particular papers.  Each week a group will be randomly selected in class to give a short presentation on the readings.  The presentation will be assessed according to the group's understanding of the papers, the key insights they gained, and their ability to critically assess strengths and weaknesses in the arguments presented.