Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - REM 356W D100

Environmental Policy (3)

Class Number: 4928

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100; and 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides an overview of policy and governance approaches used to manage the natural environment from international to local levels. The history, basic concepts, and key strategies of modern environmental policy are presented and discussed. Students then analyze and critique environmental policy across scales regarding climate, forests, oceans, and urban landscapes focusing on determining the effectiveness and efficiency of different approaches to regulate and manage the environment. Students with credit for REM 356 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

How is environmental policy shaped and implemented, and by whom? This course provides an overview of policy frameworks related to the environment, including key legislation, agencies, and actual policies that aim to manage and protect the natural environment at international, national, regional, and local levels. Students will be challenged and enabled to dissect how environmental policy is currently designed and understand what types of goals and implementation strategies might be most useful. We will draw from real-world examples addressing climate, oceans, forests, urban spaces, as well as the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

The REM 356W course includes a weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour tutorial. A portion of the lectures will provide space for feedback and questions on prior lectures and assignments. Assignments will mainly consist of individual writing on course themes with a longer writing assignment at the end of the course. Students will be expected to read or watch materials prior to most lectures, and all materials will be made available on Canvas.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Identify, synthesize, and apply key theories and practices that inform environmental policy.
  • Define policy goals and policy instruments and analyze policy making processes related to the environment.
  • Identify different types, definitions, and theories of governance used to manage the environment.
  • Understand and critique specific policies, systems, and processes used to manage and protect the environment.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Mini-writing Assignments 20%
  • Assignments 20%
  • Final Paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All materials will be made available on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.