AGS453 Human Ecology (PG) (8)

The subject continues the exploration of the ecological paradigm commenced in the subject Introduction to Ecological Agriculture. One of the fundamental propositions underlying ecocentric thought is the empathetic connection between humankind and the environment. What is this connection and how does it differ from the paradigm that drives conventional forms of agriculture? This question will be addressed as students explore their value systems and modes of thinking, and how these impact on our land use decisions. Besides fostering self-knowledge the subject challenges students to develop the sensitivity, conceptual framework and interpersonal skills required to manage natural resources and people in an ecocentric way.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2018.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to analyse one's self in relation to the nexus with the wider environment
  • be able to explain and evaluate dualities (opposites) and their relationship to human behaviour
  • be able to explain and demonstrate an understanding of the notion of holism and holarchy and how they exist in stage theory
  • be able to explain the emerge of varying life forms based on Wilber's model
  • be able to relate Wilber's model to the ecology of agriculture
  • be able to explain the evolution of ecological thought based on the writings of several key philosophers and apply the results
  • be able to position ecological thought on a continuum of Environmentalism as proposed by O'Riordan and defend the position selected
  • be able to analyse the role of different belief systems and their impact on individual and communal behaviour
  • be able to evaluate and assess the relationship between values and behaviour
  • be able to evaluate one's development in relation to the hierarchy of values
  • be able to explain and demonstrate an understanding of the role of values in developing ecological literacy
  • be able to explain wholism from the perspective of Goethe
  • be able to reflect on the relationship between imagination and science having tested this relationship through project work

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

Ecological philosophy
Ecological psychology
The concept of holism in agriculture

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Optional Residential School.The purpose is to explore the ecopsychology and ecophilosophy of human ecology. Half of the school is in class, and the remainder is in the bush.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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