Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - REM 356W D100

Environmental Policy (3)

Class Number: 2914

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 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 and 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 10%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Writing Assignments 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings and other resources will be available online through Canvas or through the library.

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.