Human Dimensions of Sustainability
May 26–June 17, 2012
Upcoming Information Sessions:
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Tempe Campus: Session #1 Monday, February 13, 2012 |
Downtown Campus: Session #1 Thursday, February 9, 2012 |
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Tempe Campus: Session #2 Thursday, February 16, 2012 |
Downtown Campus: Session #2 Wednesday, February 15, 2012 |
Australia has a beautiful and arid landscape, and unique plants and animals that defied the comprehension of early European observers. But Australian Aborigines, representing the longest continuous cultural tradition in the world, adapted to the unique conditions across Australia over some 40–60,000 years, developing technologies, religion and lifeways completely tied to the land. Two hundred years of colonization and more recent processes of urbanization and globalization have brought massive environmental, social and political changes to the continent with critical implications for its future sustainability. Developed as a collaboration between ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change and School of Sustainability, this transdisciplinary program draws on a very wide range of fields (such as anthropology, geography, archaeology, political science, ecology, biology, recreation management, sustainability, urban studies and agriculture) to explore human dimensions of sustainability—past, present and future.
This 6-credit-hour traveling program is based in eastern Australia, and we spend 23 days exploring the cities, coasts and the outback of this remarkable country. We explore the tropical climes of Cairns, Brisbane and Queensland, visiting the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, rainforests, the stunning and stark outback and fabulous coastal reefs. Our program ends in the wonderful city of Sydney. We spend most of our time in experiential activities out of the classroom, exploring case studies in this fascinating country first-hand. The schedule is designed also to support additional optional adventures on free days. Senior ASU faculty direct the program and accompany the group.
An easy stopover between Australia and the U.S., Fiji offers additional learning opportunities, as participants also have the option of an 8-day Fiji extension of the program (required for global health majors using Australia to fulfill their study abroad).
The program is suitable for undergraduate students at any level, as no specific background in any of these fields is assumed. Courses fulfill General Studies and Science and Society requirements, and prerequisites are usually waived. Graduate students also can be accommodated with graduate course credit. Planned course options include:
- SOS 320 Society & Sustainability (3)
Fulfills General Studies SB or L
- ASB 443/SSH 403 Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3-6)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; and/or fulfills General Studies (L or SB) & G (This course is
repeatable for credit.)
- ASM 414/SSH 414/SOS 414 Urban and Environmental Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; and/or fulfills General Studies SB
The 2012 program fee for the Australia program is $6,575, covering 6 credits of coursework, all accommodation, excursions, cultural events, activities, program-related ground transportation and some group meals. Not included: international airfare (approximately $1,300), incidentals and remaining meals.
The 2012 program fee for the Fiji option is $2,795, covering 3 credits of coursework, in-country transport, activities and most meals; an additional $150 is required for the flight for students coming from either New Zealand or Australia.
For more information, e-mail or call the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's study abroad program assistant at (480) 965-1366.
