Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - REM 446 D100

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (4)

Class Number: 6104

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    REM 100 or 200 and 75 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Theory and practice of environmental and social impact assessment. The course will review and critically evaluate the regulatory frameworks, institutions and methods associated with impact assessment for resource and industrial development, transportation, public utilities, regional planning and public policy, using examples from British Columbia and Canada.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will equip students to work in the EA sector for government, Indigenous communities, and private companies. The course will cover the theory, principles and practice of EA. This course will review and critically evaluate the regulatory frameworks, institutions and methods associated with EA for resource and industrial development, using examples from British Columbia and Canada.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Define EA, its objectives and benefits and describe the steps and components of the EA process. 
  2. Describe the features of the Canadian federal and British Columbian institutions and processes for conducting EAs. 
  3. Explain Indigenous peoples’ role and participation in EA and the implications of the duty to consult and accommodate when decisions may infringe on Aboriginal rights and title.  
  4. Compare and contrast different models for decision-making in EA, including concepts of significance and public interest.  
  5. Critique legislated EA processes in British Columbia and Canada and discuss key challenges, deficiencies and areas for improvement using theory and literature on EA and broader public policy. 
  6. Apply EA principles for best practices to case studies and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of specific project applications 
  7. Facilitate the exchange of ideas about environmental decisions made by government and how those decision-making processes are shaped, diminished or improved over time.  
  8. Gain an appreciation for EA as a proactive planning and decision-making tool that can support environmental protection and sustainable development.  

Grading

  • Assignments 80%
  • Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All reading material for the course will be provided through the online Canvas course page. 


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.