SLE215 - Ecotourism and Environmental Interpretation

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2022 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year:

2022 unit information

Important Update:

Unit delivery will be in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. We continue to tailor learning experiences for each unit to achieve the best possible mix of online and on-campus activities that successfully blend our approaches to learning, working and research. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates.

Last updated: 4 March 2022

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Online
Credit point(s):1
Previously coded as:

SQE212

EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Kelly Miller
Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

Nil

Incompatible with:

Nil

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

Scheduled learning activities - cloud:

Online independent and collaborative learning including optional scheduled activities as detailed in the unit site.

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 interpretative 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.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Understand the significance of natural and cultural tourism features.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

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
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy

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
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO4

Understand the potential positive and negative effects of tourism on the environment.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO5

Design and implement management strategies to minimise problems associated with tourism impacts on the environment.

GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO6: Self-management
GLO7: Teamwork

ULO6

Appreciate the positive economic and social role that tourism can play, including its contribution to conservation and environmental sustainability.

GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Review of environmental interpretation Written report, approximately 1,000 words 35% Week 5
Online quiz 40-minute online quiz 10% Week 7
Online discussion and reflection Two online discussions 10% Weeks 2 and 11
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 the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE215 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

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