Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - REM 321 D100

Ecological Economics (4)

Class Number: 3651

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 26, 2020
    Mon, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 16, 2020
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. Provides students with grounding in the core principles of conventional economics applied to the environment but then extends this to the integration of economics and ecology to create a new ecological-economic understanding of environmental change and sustainability. Students with credit for ENV 321 cannot take REM 321 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will draw from many real-world examples of environmental problems, including climate change, fisheries management and biodiversity loss. We will learn and use several tools from ecological economics, including ecological footprint, cost-benefit analysis, valuation of ecosystem services, measures of economic growth versus development, and definitions of “sustainability.”

Course Organization: Asynchronous lecture and synchronous tutorials.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Once you complete this course, you will be able to:

  1. Define and explain the major modern environmental problems.
  2. Critically evaluate the strengths and drawbacks of economic concepts of the environment.
  3. Apply course concepts and tools to real-world environmental problems (e.g. media coverage).
  4. Challenge your own assumptions regarding environmental and economic issues, and understand/develop your personal values.
  5. Develop collaborative, interdisciplinary learning and thinking skills.
  6. Demonstrate the level of respect and organization expected in the workforce.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Assignments 45%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam- comprehensive 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach, 4rd Edition (2018), Jonathan Harris and Brian Roach, M.E. Sharpe.
Available through SFU Bookstore website: http://www.sfu.ca/bookstore/coursematerials

Digital copy available for reserve at the https://www.lib.sfu.ca/borrow/reserves

A number of additional online (electronic) readings will be uploaded to the course website, including reports, journal articles and several newspaper/magazine articles.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).