First Field Studies in Urban Sustainability unit at Monash South Africa

26 August 2010

Monash students have been given the opportunity to get out of the lecture theatre and to gain real life experiences relating to the theory they have been studying with the introduction of the first Field Studies in Urban Sustainability offered at the Monash South Africa campus.  Based on field work and seminars, the two-week unit had students from the Monash South Africa and Monash Clayton (Melbourne, Australia) and Gippsland campuses coming together in Johannesburg to look at issues on urban development in Africa.

As the unit was developed to facilitate tangible experiences for students, the group went on daily excursions to look at key issues and topics in urban development.

Some highlights were a trip to the Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital, where they attended a lecture by the CEO of the institution Johanna More, and were taken on a walking tour of the hospital facilities as well as through downtown Johannesburg and Hillbrow, where they explored the issue of poverty and space by looking at street traders.

Monash South Africa lecturer Mr Ashley Gunter said: “The students’ learning experience was on multiple levels with the excursions being the catalyst for a number of keen debates and discussions”. 

Kurt Laloo one of the local students on the unit said: “I about learnt things that I never knew existed and visited places that enhanced my understanding of the readings I had done.”    

 Gunter added that: “The ability to explore places that are usually only discussed in lectures added a new dimension to the learning process.  Students were thrilled to get out of the lecture room and fascinated by the critical development that has been conducted by government and non-government organizations across the city.”