Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - REM 321 D100

Ecological Economics (4)

Class Number: 5686

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2021
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 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:

REM 321 will introduce you to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. We will learn, critique and use several tools from ecological economics, including cost-benefit analysis, valuation of ecosystem services, measures of economic growth versus development, and definitions of “sustainability.” We will draw from real-world examples of environmental problems, including climate change, fisheries management and biodiversity loss.

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 15%
  • Assignments 30%
  • In-class Quiz 5%
  • In-class Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam - comprehensive 30%

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
Also on reserve at SFU Library.

A number of additional online (electronic) readings will be uploaded to the Canvas site, including reports and journal 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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.