Outdoor and Environmental Philosophy

Unit code: SSM3002 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
SOL1001 - Natural Environments 1; and
SOL1002 - Safety in Natural Environments; and
SSM3101 - Environmental Inquiry, Sustainability and Communities (applicable for EBST, EBED students ONLY)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit students will explore a range of philosophical perspectives relating to human nature relationships, outdoor education and outdoor recreation. This immersive field based exploration will allow them to critically formulate a philosophy regarding their capacity as an emerging professional and the contributions they can make to society through their professional practice and identity, decisions and actions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically review philosophical perspectives relating to outdoor and environmental education;
  2. Propose a personal and professional philosophy which reflects their values and ethics in relation to experiences in the outdoors;
  3. Synthesise issues relating to society and the environment in a socially critical manner;
  4. Exemplify knowledge of current ethical issues in outdoor education/recreation; and
  5. Exhibit professional capacity through application of theoretical knowledge, judgement and decision making in practical outdoor programs.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Due to risk management and professional/industry requirements to demonstrate knowledge and skill within both simulated and workplace environments, attendance requirements and hurdle tasks apply to field classes.

Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 10%
Field teaching requirements (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Literature Review
|
Grade: 15%
Online article discussion posts
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 25%
Philosophy article presentation (link to professional philosophy development)
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 50%
Leadership and personal philosophy exercise and statement

Field Teaching requires mandatory attendance of 100% attendance, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to the unit containing a significant competency component, enabling students to acquire and demonstrate essential skills to meet industry practice (VU Standards for Assessment Procedure (HE) Policy clause 25, 26, 29). Competency is also assessed through successful completion of hurdle practicum assessment.

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
SBOL | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

Search for units, majors & minors