Environmental Humanities
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"content" : "Tackling the big environmental challenges of our time will take more than scientific expertise—we also need to consider the human dimension.\nIn the new field of He Aronui Aotūroa/Environmental Humanities, we look through the lens of the arts and humanities to better understand our relationships with the planet. By studying literature, art, philosophy, film, media, and history, we explore the ways that cultural beliefs shape our interactions with nature.\nThrough this subject, you’ll gain a holistic understanding of today’s complex environmental issues. And you’ll nurture the ability to respond critically and imaginatively to these issues.\nIf you’re concerned about the environment and curious about the role of art and literature in addressing climate change, then a [major] in Environmental Humanities is ideal for you."
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"heading" : "Get to the heart of the matter",
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"content" : "Through your studies, you’ll develop strong skills in interpretation and critical enquiry, along with a deep knowledge of social, cultural, and ecological issues.\nYou’ll learn to critically evaluate the role of art and literature, and you’ll embrace interdisciplinary approaches to analysis and problem-solving.\nThis subject gets to the heart of how the humanities help us understand the deep connections between people and the environment. "
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"asset_contents" : "The best contemporary art asks us to critically engage with now and simultaneously imagine another kind of future.",
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"name" : "Susan Ballard",
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"heading" : "Why we need art",
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"content" : "Professor Susan Ballard explains how the arts give us ways to communicate our feelings about the environment.\n
Can art help us see the bigger picture?"
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"heading" : "Art and ecology",
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"content" : "Students in He Aronui Aotūroa/Environmental Humanities have worked with art from Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection to curate exhibitions that address ecological themes. Their
Watershed exhibition includes major works of art that showcase contemporary artistic approaches to the environment.\n
Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery—Watershed",
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"caption" : "Chris Corson-Scott,
A Poet Writing Before the Falls and Freezing Works, Mataura (2016), from the Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection."
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"heading" : "First of its kind",
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"content" : "Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand to offer Environmental Humanities as a major. Whether you take this major in a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Environment and Society, you’ll have a unique opportunity to delve into a dynamic field."
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"heading" : "Study across disciplines",
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"content" : "He Aronui Aotūroa/Environmental Humanities introduces you to humanistic responses to our changing world. It draws on the insights and approaches of the humanities, centered on questions of meaning, creativity, value, and ethics. These insights are applied to some of the most urgent challenges of our time.\nEnvironmental Humanities is an interdisciplinary subject. In addition to the core courses for the [major], you can choose from courses in:
- Art History
- Classics
- Criminology
- Cultural Anthropology
- English Literature
- History
- International Politics
- Literary and Creative Communication
- Māori Studies
- Music
- Pacific Studies.
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"heading" : "Hands-on classes",
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"content" : "Classes are hands-on, with workshops and small-group discussions. Seminars include guest lectures by internationally recognised artists and writers who work alongside scientists. Field trips involve engagement with citizen science, nature journalling, and behind-the-scenes visits to Te Papa led by curators, scientists, and experience designers. \nYou’ll critically evaluate techniques used by writers, poets and artists—and you’ll learn how to use these techniques in individual and group projects.\nThroughout your studies, you’ll use a range of methodologies—journalling, close study, critical analysis, and collaboration. You’ll reflect on how creative and critical practice can help imagine alternative futures. "
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"heading" : "Career opportunities",
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"content" : "Graduating with a degree majoring in He Aronui Aotūroa/Environmental Humanities opens up a range of career opportunities. You might find a role in the creative industries and media, policy and research, communications and advocacy, or the museum and gallery sector.\nDepending on your interests and other areas of academic focus, you could become an arts administrator, researcher, museum curator, policy analyst, journalist, or environmental or urban planner."
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"heading" : "The Wellington environment",
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"content" : "Study in Wellington, the political and cultural heart of New Zealand. The unique geography of Wellington—and our proximity to the Botanic Gardens, Te Papa, and the south coast—means that we spend time outside the classroom, exploring the environment and journalling our experiences.",
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"heading" : "Further study",
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"content" : "After you complete your undergraduate degree in He Aronui Aotūroa/Environmental Humanities, you can continue to explore this area more deeply at postgraduate level through the Master of Science and Society (MScSoc).\nThis 180-point degree looks at science in its wider context. Using traditional knowledge, the arts, and the humanities, the MScSoc explores ways to respond to pressing issues facing society today.",
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