ENVL 1001 Understanding Landscape

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 300812

Coordinator Suzanne Ermert Opens in new window

Description This unit explores the historical and cultural perceptions and perspectives of the term 'landscape' and the sustainability and management of landscapes. Students become familiar with the terminology and concepts surrounding the natural landscape experientially through a series of field trips and develop an awareness and appreciation of both of the conceptual and actual landscape issues. Skills in mapping and spatial awareness skills and technologies will be developed through field trips and workshop sessions including GIS. Such skills will assist in developing a capacity to comprehensively describe and analyse the landscape.

School Science

Discipline Environmental Studies, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 6199 - Understanding Landscape LGYB 9526 - Understanding Landscape

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Determine the relationship between humans and the natural environment and the impacts of the ecological health of that environment from human development.
  2. Identify diverse concepts of landscape.
  3. Recognise the range of values and meanings associated with the term �elandscape�f, including their own and those of their peers.
  4. Explain the basis of selected landscape management issues. Evaluate the holistic nature of landscape systems and the links to landscape management issues.
  5. Apply skills associated with maps, mapping, spatial investigation (GIS) and associated technologies, and landscape management techniques as a way to interpret the landscape.

Subject Content

1. Landscape concepts, issues and landscape conditions;
2. Effects of humankind on past, present and future landscapes;
3. Maps and mapping: Spatial analysis using GIS and mapping techniques in combination with spatial investigation technologies to characterise and assess landscapes for environmental assessment and the role of habitat;
4. Assessment of heritage landscapes, including aboriginal heritage;
5. Fire ecology in the Sydney Basin; including the influence of fire on various landscapes including urban and wilderness landscapes;
6. Spatial awareness;
7. Compass and map reading;
8. Spatial estimations and calculations using clinometers, measuring wheels;
9. Route construction through a nominated landscape using mapping techniques;
10. Basic plant identification using taxonomic key;
11. Humankind?fs historical and cultural involvement within the landscape;
12. Principles and practice of fire and fire management issues;
13. Underlying ?elayers?f within the framework of landscape;
14. Cultural, historical and artistic perspectives of the indigenous relationship with the lan

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Environmental Autobiography 1,000 words 15 N Individual
Field trip tasks sheets which evaluate/characterise sites visited Completed during field trip 20 N Individual
Poster / Presentation of analysis/characterisation of specific landscape site not visited in field trips 15 minute presentation 25 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 40 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject