Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
In much of traditional Western thinking, nature and culture have generally been treated as separate. Based on fieldwork in communities around the world, anthropologists were among the first social scientists to change this view and to consider nature and culture together. Students in this course explore issues relating to the way people know, interact with, and care about their environment. This includes human interactions with, and the meanings of, (urban) wildlife, climate change studies, biodiversity conservation, bush fire management, political ecology, and the societal questionsﾠsurroundingﾠresource developments. In addition, students will develop skills in one of the hallmarks of anthropological enquiry: ethnographic fieldwork.
The field of Environmental Anthropology now draws on insights from the social sciences, as well as disciplines such as ecology, biology, natural resource management, politics and geography. This course will explain some of the major research areas in environmental anthropology today.ﾠStudents will learn how to set up a small research project related to the Brisbane environment, and will then complete related fieldwork research training.ﾠFinally, students will use the empirical data collected during the fieldwork research training to write a small essay (2,000 words). Students will therefore not only learn about contemporary research areasﾠand get to exploreﾠsome of the relationships between humans and the environment in Brisbane and beyond, the course will also include vital development of field research skills, data analysis, writing approaches and presentation of results.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Having taken ANTH1008 and ANTH1030ﾠis a clear asset. The course is reading intensive but covers a wide array of perspectives and case material from around the world. Past students have found the course challenging but very rewarding in the end.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
AY211
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with knowledge about theﾠtheoretical diversity in environmental anthropology and key issues currently examined in the field. Additionally, this course provides student research training in the form of some limited amount of student-led ethnographic fieldwork in Brisbane, supervised by the course coordinator. Students therefore learn to engage with theories and practices in environmental anthropology, including presentation and communication of research results. The course is divided into four themes: 1) Plants and Animals; 2) Subsurface Environments; 3) Planetary Scale Computing and, 4) Living in the Anthropocene.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Communicate effectively on the main topics raised in the course;
LO2.
Have an understanding of environmental anthropology and how it can be used as a tool to critically explore issues involving human-environment relations;
LO3.
To understand how and why global and local processes merge to affect local actors interactions with the environment, including their political, sociocultural and economic dimensions;
LO4.
To critically question broader assumptions and representations of nature and society and, in particular, how these understandings inform environmental management, disputes, climate change and political debates.
LO5.
To understand and appreciate human-environment relations, and how these relations and concomitant meanings shape local struggles in important and sometimes inequitable ways.
LO6.
Undertake research as part of a group. This includes professional teamwork, commitment to group goals, effective communication and respectful discussion with team members about research plans, execution, results and analysis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Research Plan | 20% |
26/03/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
In-class project presentation and feedback
|
20% |
12/05/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution | Group research team work: Peer assessment | 20% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Paper | 40% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Research Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
26/03/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The research plan will include the group's research topic, the key research question, a project rationale (argue here why this project is important, what it aims to achieve, how it relates to the literature, and include at least four references to relevant peer-reviewed anthropological literature), the envisaged research methods including the responsibilities of each group member, and a timeline for completion, including the essay. Include a reference list at the end (APA7).
The research plan must be no longer than 1000 words, using font size 12 and 1.5 line spacing. This excludes a title page and reference list.
Choose one person to submit the research plan on the group's behalf (in other words, only one research plan per group is submitted via Turnitin).
Note that in the event the group is not functioning properly, contact should be made with the course coordinator as soon as reasonably possible (either in person or via email).
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Group issues, individual performance issues, or member illness are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator, as appropriate (Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland).
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work can NOT be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
In-class project presentation and feedback
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
In week 11, each group presents in-class on the research undertaken for the research project thus far. The presentation should focus on the conceptual theory and the field research findings. In terms of the conceptual theory, the presentation should discuss one or two key concepts derived from the literature on human-animal relations that have been central to your group research project (including references).
In terms of the field research, the presentation should outline what the interviews and observations have revealed so far and your preliminary thoughts about how you might answer the key research question(s). Also address whether there was something surprising or unexpected about the fieldwork and/or research findings. Use PowerPoint slides and include fieldwork quotes from participants. Attempt to also include your own photo's and/or audio-visual illustrations.
Each presentation will be no longer than 15 minutes, depending on class size (to be confirmed). More details will be provided during the tutorials.
After each presentation, the other groups in class will prepare constructive feedback in written form. This feedback, which can be written in dot point form, should focus on the strengths of the research, what further work might be productive, and any thoughts about the analysis and theoretical approach presented.
As per the School assessment policy, student presentations must be recorded and stored. In-class presentations will be recorded and stored via Echo360.
Note that in the event the group is not functioning properly, contact should be made with the course coordinator as soon as reasonably possible (either in person or via email).
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Group issues, individual performance issues, or member illness are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator, as appropriate (Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland).
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Group research team work: Peer assessment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Each student will complete an anonymous peer assessment and score the contributions of the other group members to the overall research project, including in-class activities (20 point max). The peer assessment is completed online via Blackboard. Students will be notified when the peer review link is available on Blackboard.
Note that in the event the group is not functioning properly, contact should be made with the course coordinator as soon as reasonably possible (either in person or via email).
Submission guidelines
Blackboard peer assessment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Group issues, individual performance issues, or member illness are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator, as appropriate (Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland).
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work can NOT be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Research Paper
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
During the first class, students will be assigned a group research topic to work on for the duration of the course. You will work on this topic in a small group, but the final essay will be written individually. The project will be developed partly during class but will also require professional collaboration between group members outside class times. Each group member is expected to undertake at least 2 interviews to contribute to the group research project. Further details will be discussed during class. For example, the research training component of this course will involve some anthropological research training. You will receive advice on this during the first module.
The research undertaken during the course will be written up in the form of a 2000 word essay. You are expected to include the empirical data generated during the group research activities and to analyse the data using key anthropological texts and concepts that relate to your topic.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work can NOT be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Introduction to the course research project Group research training, expectations, responsibilities and available support. Given the focus on various research topics as well as research training in environmental anthropology, this course requires a high degree of professionalism among the students. Some tasks need to be completed as part of a group, and this requires commitment and support from all those involved. Should there be complaints or unresolvable conflict among members of a group, the problem should be brought to the attention of the course coordinator for early intervention and resolution. |
Lecture |
Module I Plants and Animals Nature, Culture, Non-human Animals: An introduction to some key concepts Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial discussion and group work Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Module I Plants and Animals Wild urban companions, and connections between people and nature. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial discussion and group work Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Lecture |
Module I Plants and Animals Human-wildlife interactions in urban environments. Guest presentation by Prof Darryl Jones, Ecologist, Griffith University. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Research preparation Q&A about research plan development, including methods and research population. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Module I Plants and Animals: Research Preparation Case study and field research training Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Module II Subsurface Environments: In-class exercise and discussion Are chthonic imaginaries relevant today? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Module II Subsurface Environments Mythologies of the Underground Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Module II Subsurface Environments A political ecology approach to the underground Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Module II Subsurface Environments Hauntology and Walt Disney Magic Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Module III Fire, Energy and Culture Discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Module III Fire, Energy and Culture Anthropology of (bush)fire part 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Module III Fire, Energy and Culture The future of fire in Australia Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Module III Fire, Energy and Culture Anthropology of (bush)fire part 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break - No class |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Module IV Living in the Anthropocene: Complicating simple binaries What can ethnography contribute? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Module IV Living in the Anthropocene Hydrofracking and the anthropology of water Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Public holiday - No class |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Case-based learning |
In-class presentations and feedback Each group presents the preliminary results of the group research project and provides written feedback on the presentation of the other groups. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Excursion |
Module IV Living in the Anthropocene UQ Art Museum visit 3-4pm. Exhibition title: "These Entanglements: Ecology After Nature". Students engage with one or two art works to think through the concept of entanglement. How does the exhibition relate to the literature discussed in the course? Students are to refer to one or more art works as illustrations of entanglement in their essay literature review. We will discuss the exhibition after returning to class at 4:30pm. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Course Re-Cap and Essay Preparation Entanglements, assemblages, values, and politics: what did we learn and how to write it up? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.