Fall 2017 - REM 601 G100

Social Science of Natural Resources Management (5)

Class Number: 6331

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the relevance of social science perspectives, data and analytical tools in resource management, especially as these complement, supplement or critique perspectives from natural science or economics. Equivalent Courses: MRM601

COURSE DETAILS:

Global-scale demographic, technological and institutional dynamics oblige multi-scale research, planning and action to identify which elements of biophysical and cultural heritage to carry forward and how best to do so.  The escalating values of 'stakes' in environmental decision making and resource conservation foster potentials for both conflict and its generally more constructive (and more fun!) flip side, cooperation.

This course examines -

  • why and how cooperation occurs in resource and environmental management (REM) contexts;
  • some factors that affect the efficiencies of cooperative processes and efficacies of its outcomes; and
  • various tactics and strategies for sparking, sustaining, and optimizing benefits from cooperation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop analytic vocabulary, skills, and other social science tools for application to diverse issues in REM.
  • Know how to use these tools, when to ask additional questions, and where to find more tools
  • Understand how temperament, culture, institutional arrangements, and similar factors affect individual and group behaviours in relation to cooperation in REM.
  • Appreciate how configurations of rules and organizations may promote (or constrain) creative cooperation.

Grading

  • Three Papers 34%
  • Group Report 25%
  • Group Process Report 15%
  • Intra-Group Peer Feedback 15%
  • Participation 11%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Diverse articles and book chapters address course concepts. When read prior to class, these enable vigorous and rewarding student participation. Questions for small groups to answer are provided for many readings.  Students are responsible for completing readings and preparing to respond to questions at the commencement of each class meeting.

Supplementary materials associated with many topics are posted at http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/research-assistance/subject/rem/cooperation-rem

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS