Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - REM 321 D100

Ecological Economics (4)

Class Number: 3108

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2025
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.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 apply 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. as portrayed by 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 35%
  • Exams 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach, 5th Edition (2021), Jonathan Harris and Brian Roach, Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Environmental-and-Natural-Resource-Economics-A-Contemporary-Approach/Harris-Roach/p/book/9780367531386 Digital version available at SFU bookstore. Print version available from the SFU bookstore and other sellers, such as Amazon or AbeBooks. 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.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.