Overview
Fundamentals of the Earth’s environmental systems; human impact on natural systems at global, national and regional scales. Environmental hazards, concerns and issues; ethical, legislative, economic, and political responses and constraints.
Around the world, global environmental change is a major concern of politicians and scientists, communities and individuals, public, private, and non-governmental organisations. News broadcasts constantly remind us of the symptoms of change, in the form of floods, droughts, famines, catastrophic landslides, pollution, global warming, conflicts, Indigenous land-loss and so forth. However environmental change is complex, and we need to be able to think critically for ourselves when considering environmental issues.ENVI111 is structured to investigate a different environmental topic each week. With the help of expert academics from across the Sciences, Humanities and Commerce, you will consider a range of topics that could include climate change, biodiversity loss, water issues, fast fashion, natural hazards, waste and recycling, agriculture and more-¦ You will be challenged to think critically, assess critical evidence, hear different perspectives, and seek potential solutions.
About this paper
| Paper title | Environment and Society |
|---|---|
| Subject | Environment and Society |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Wayne Stephenson
This paper is taught by a selection of academic staff from across the campus. This group of academic staff changes from year to year depending on availability. Academic staff to be confirmed in the course outline.
Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis
- Paper Structure
Each week of ENVI111 explores a different environmental issue.
- Teaching Arrangements
4 lectures per week (3 focusing on the weekly environmental topic and the 4th a screening/discussion session on an environmental film/documentary)
- Textbooks
None
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
At the end of this paper you will have:
- a greater awareness of the nature of environmental problems facing global, national and regional communities;
- an understanding of some of the -™drivers-™ of environmental change;
- an appreciation of the range of values different people have for environmental systems and natural resources;
- begun to develop your ability to analyse environmental issues critically, to challenge conventional assumptions and to consider different options and viewpoints with respect to environmental issues and debates.
- Assessment details
Assessment is 50% internal (2 essay assessments) and 50% external (final examination -“ essay and multiple choice).
Overview
An introduction to the origin and dimensions of sustainability. Provides interdisciplinary perspectives on environmental degradation, hazards, climate change, energy, and biodiversity loss. Explores environmental management, economic and political responses.
Around the world, global environmental change is a major concern for politicians, scientists, communities, and individuals, as well as public, private, and non-governmental organisations. Increasingly, environmental change is recognised not only as an ecological challenge, but also as a significant threat to human health and wellbeing. News broadcasts constantly remind us of the impacts of change through floods, droughts, famines, catastrophic landslides, pollution, climate change, declining ecosystem health, Indigenous land loss, and other environmental crises. These events can affect physical health, mental wellbeing, food and water security, livelihoods, and the resilience of communities. However, environmental change is complex, and understanding its causes, consequences, and potential solutions requires critical thinking and informed analysis
ENVI 111 is structured to investigate a different environmental topic each week. With the help of expert academics from across the Sciences, Humanities, and Commerce, you will explore how environmental issues influence planetary health and impact our lives and livelihoods. Topics may include climate change, biodiversity loss, water quality and security, fast fashion, natural hazards, waste and recycling, agriculture, environmental justice, public health concerns, and more. Throughout the course, you will be challenged to think critically, evaluate evidence, consider diverse perspectives, and explore solutions that support healthier people, communities, and environments.
About this paper
| Paper title | Environment, Society and Sustainability |
|---|---|
| Subject | Environment and Society |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
ENVI 111 is available to all students and an allowable optional 8th paper for all First Year Health Science Students
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Wayne Stephenson
This paper is taught by a selection of academic staff from across the campus. This group of academic staff changes from year to year depending on availability. Academic staff to be confirmed in the course outline.
Teaching Fellow: Ben Varkalis
- Paper Structure
Each week of ENVI 111 explores a different environmental issue.
- Teaching Arrangements
Four lectures per week (three focusing on the weekly environmental topic and the last one a screening/discussion session on an environmental film/documentary).
- Textbooks
None.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
At the end of this paper you will have:
- a greater awareness of the nature of environmental problems facing global, national and regional communities;
- an understanding of some of the drivers of environmental change;
- an appreciation of the range of values different people have for environmental systems and natural resources;
- begun to develop your ability to analyse environmental issues critically, to challenge conventional assumptions and to consider different options and viewpoints with respect to environmental issues and debates.
- Assessment details
Assessment is 50% internal (two essay assessments) and 50% external (final examination, essay and multiple choice).