Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - REM 100 D100

Global Change (3)

Class Number: 9668

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2018
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course provides students with an overview of global environmental change and its causes from a social science perspective, historically and at the present time. Population growth, an increasing ecological footprint and changes in ideology, social organization, economy and technology will be critically reviewed. New ways of thinking in natural and social science will be considered in relation to specific issues such as land, soil and food; energy, raw materials and solid waste; air pollution and transportation; water, oceans and fisheries; climate change; forestry and biodiversity; urbanization, and alternative futures. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 100 is a mixed lecture/tutorial course with two hours of weekly lecture and a one-hour tutorial. The lectures make use of videos, and other techniques as supplements.

Detailed information on lecture content, required readings, assigments and tutorials will be provided in CANVAS.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Once you complete this course you should be able to:

  1. Define and explain some major global environmental issues, their causes, and consequences.
  2. Critically evaluate the strengths and drawbacks of ways for dealing with these issues.
  3. Apply course concepts to real-world environmental problems (for example, in the media)
  4. Challenge your own assumptions regarding environmental issues, and understand/develop your personal values
  5. Feel empowered with knowledge and ways to act to address global change issues.

Grading

  • Tutorial and Participation 20%
  • Assignment 25%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Global Issues: An Introduction, 5th edition, Kristen A. Hite & John L. Seitz, 2016, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford, UK, 335 pp.
or
Global Issues: An Introduction, 4th edition, John L. Seitz and Kristen A. Hite, 2012, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford, UK, 304 pp
ISBN: 978-1118968857

A number of additional online (electronic) readings including reports, journal articles and several newspaper/magazine articles will be made available on CANVAS.

The lecture will make use of iClickers. Students will need to buy a personal iClicker from the SFU books store, and bring it to every lecture.

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