SLE215 - Ecotourism and Environmental Interpretation
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SQE212 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Kelly Miller |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | SQE223, SQE309 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | Online independent and collaborative learning including 1 x 1 hour online lecture per week. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Note:Students will be required to make arrangements at their own expense to attend self-directed site visit(s) to a local park/reserve/public space with natural and/or cultural heritage values/features as part of their assessments. | |
Content
Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are rapidly expanding fields of tourism globally, and given society’s growing interest in the environment, are anticipated to grow. In this unit we critically examine the key components and principles of ecotourism and sustainable tourism; and the associated positive and negative social, environmental and economic impacts. Interpretation, one key element of ecotourism and sustainable tourism is investigated, using case studies involving cultural and natural heritage to understand the effectiveness of different interpretive techniques. The management of negative interactions will be explored and examined in relation to social and economic benefits/costs to host communities and the environment.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Understand the significance of natural and cultural tourism features. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Develop an understanding of the importance of interpretation as a core element in the successful conservation and protection of natural resources. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Evaluate the nature of the visitor experience and the communication process by which visitor awareness and understanding of environmental issues can be raised. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| ULO4 | Understand the potential positive and negative effects of tourism on the environment. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Design and implement management strategies to minimise problems associated with tourism impacts on the environment. | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO6 | Appreciate the positive economic and social role that tourism can play, including its contribution to conservation and environmental sustainability. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Online discussion and reflection | Two reflective online discussions | 10% | Weeks 2 and 11 |
| Assessment 2 | 1,000 word report – Review of environmental interpretation | 35% | Week 5 |
| Assessment 3 Online quiz | 40-minute online quiz | 10% | Week 7 |
| Assessment 4 Interpretation plan | Written report, approximately 1,500 words | 45% | Week 9 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE215 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.