Nature, Culture and Sustainability

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ARCH 5012
Course ID icon
Course ID
202202
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to examine our changing relationship with the environment and the idea of Nature, and the historical development of industrialization and mass-consumption. It explores alternative economic models such as the circular economy, and considers economic, cultural and social barriers affecting our collective path towards greater sustainability, and the role that design can play within these. The course considers sustainable design activism and the importance of public participation and collaborative, transprofessional approaches to addressing global concerns through sustainable design. This course aligns with the program's intent to provide specialist knowledge applicable to professional practice in art and design fields.

  • Nature/Culture
  • Waste, Systems And Engineering Change
  • Creative Agents Of Change

Course learning outcomes

  • Collaborate effectively to select and research a topic, analyse and synthesize primary and secondary sources, and present an argument employing effective communication to facilitate understanding and inspire action towards sustainable practices
  • Develop a critical position comparing multiple cultural and historical viewpoints and articulate this position in a well-structured written statement related to global issues in art and design
  • Analyse complex issues within the realm of sustainability, recognise intersecting needs, and evaluate the positioning and potential bias in proposed solutions to operate as an informed professional in the field
  • Construct and defend a coherent argument in essay form, demonstrating advanced knowledge of the subject, its literature, and apply academic research methodologies relevant to sustainability in consumer culture

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A