Summer 2021 - POL 448 D100
Selected Topics in International Relations (4)
Class Number: 3298
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Jun 21, 2021: Mon, Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
James Busumtwi-sam
jbusumtw@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4346
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Prerequisites:
Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
Description
COURSE DETAILS:
Selected Topic: Global Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development
Intersession Course
This course examines the institutions, processes, laws and regulations created to promote ‘environmental’ conservation and achieve ‘sustainable development’ at the global and regional levels. Global governance of the ‘environment’ and ‘sustainable development’ encompasses a wide range of global and regional policies, laws, institutions, and regulations, governmental and non-governmental, created in the effort to govern the impact of ‘divers’ of change on the earth’s complex social-ecological systems. The course focuses on identifying key challenges to effective governance and assessing the prospects for sustainable solutions. In the contemporary period, many of these challenges assume a Global North-South dimension and arise from disagreements over key organizing principles, over substantive values and goals, and over property rights and the distribution of costs and benefits; issues further complicated by ethical questions pertaining to environmental justice. The course is divided into two parts. Part one discusses different perspectives on the ‘environment’ and ‘sustainable development’, assesses their implications for governance, and outlines the evolution of international environmental law and other governance mechanisms. We also discuss issues of ‘environmental justice’. Part two examines several contemporary issues including governance of ozone depletion, climate change, biodiversity, fresh water, food security, population/migration, and hazardous waste. We examine the major drivers of change in each of these areas, assess critically the governance mechanisms, and explore specific cases that embody these mechanisms.
COURSE ORGANIZATION:
There will be a synchronous lecture via Zoom (50min) twice every week, asynchronous lecture notes on canvas, and asynchronous class discussions/participations on canvas.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Analytical/Critical Review 20%
- Research Essay 35%
- Final Take-Home Exam - due June 24th @ 11:59 PM 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All required readings are available electronically on canvas.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
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 SUMMER 2021
Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses. 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).