ERS 604Advanced Topics in Global Environmental Governance0.50 units
This course examines the ways in which environmental challenges are being addressed by means of 'global governance' - that is, international organizations and institutions intended to deal with these environmental challenges. Concepts are investigated both to help analyze the relative strengths and weaknesses of existing structures and to suggest ways in which alternative forms of global governance might advance sustainability. Specific organizations and other actors presently active in global environmental governance are given particular attention, as is the management of selected global environmental challenges.
ERS 605Ecosystem Perspectives and Analysis0.50 units
Review of recent theoretical and applied studies of ecosystems. Critical examination of the use of ecosystem concepts in ideologically-based calls for significant alternatives in the organization of societies, institutions, individual lifestyles and philosophical beliefs.
ERS 606Governing Global Food and Agriculture0.50 units
This course examines the international rules and organizations that have emerged to govern the increasingly global system of food and agriculture. Specific themes to be covered include governance issues related to the rise of global food coporations, agricultural trade liberalization and the WTO, food aid distribution, international agricultural assistance, the global agro-chemical industry and agricultural biotechnology.
ERS 610Public Administration of the Environment & Natural Resources0.50 units
Contemporary instruments of policy-making and public administration in the context of natural resources will be examined. A term project which will analyze a contemporary issue in the mining, forestry, fisheries, parks or protected areas will be undertaken.
Community Economic Development is a field of theory, process and practice that is concerned with understanding the forces shaping communities and finding sustainable local solutions to economic needs. This seminar course will examine topics such as capacity-building, asset-based strategies, social capital, poverty-alleviation, social enterprises and co-operatives, and comprehensive community initiatives, using international and local examples and case studies.
Background on energy issues in Canada in the context of an environmental imperative to develop energy systems that are sustainable in both ecological and socio-political terms.
Renewable and non-renewable energy supply systems are compared using economic and environmental measures. Consumption trends, conservation options and choices are considered at the household, community and global scales. Projects are used to demonstrate the economic and environmental challenges in the design of sustainable energy systems. *eligible for MES.
Waste management will be considered in the context of environmental assessment and waste management master planning. The solid waste stream will be analyzed in terms of its make up and disposal options. Landfill will be considered in terms of siting, design and management. Incineration will be discussed as will recycling, composting and the handling of household hazardous waste. Students will be required to do a critical evaluation of a municipality's waste management experience in light of changing regulations and procedures over the last decade.
A team project to demonstrate problem definition, analysis and interdisciplinary research methods in environmental studies. The course will provide an examination of different modes and methods of anlaysis to be used in projects and thesis-based research. Students will also learn how to prepare and write proposals to granting agencies.
The goal of the course is to ensure that all students will have a completed thesis proposal by the end of term. Each student will make an oral presentation of their proposal to their committee members and other members of the department and Environmental Studies. The course will include discussions about how best to frame a good research questions, find sources, organize a thesis, conduct ethical research, and communicate results. Students will make regular class presentations throughout the term as their research proposal develops.
ERS 680Implications of a Sustainable Society for ERS0.50 units
Review of theory, concepts, and examples of environmentally-sustainable development to help orient MES/ERS enquiry leading to the formulation of individual thesis.
ERS 701Sustainability in Complex Socio-Ecological Systems0.50 units
Consideration of transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological frameworks for analysing issues that arise from the complex interactions among human decision making, communities and biophysicial systems at various scales. The frameworks chosen are applicable to broad environment and resource issues as well as to a wide range of more specific topics.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: ERS Doctorate plans - all others require the permission of the department.
ERS 702Critical Analysis and Advance Research in Environmental Studies0.50 units
Examination of the process leading from design of critical transdisciplinary research to publication of findings and other outreach to the broader community. The course will include examination of doctoral research design in ERS, the nature of potential findings and means of dissemination of findings, including the diverse academic literature in environmental studies.