Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 389W E100

Nature and Society (4)

Class Number: 2296

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Rosemary-Claire Collard
    rcollard@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: (tentative): Tuesdays 11am-noon

  • Prerequisites:

    At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the relationship between nature and society, covering the dominant geographical approaches to human-environment interaction, and their social, spatial, and political economic effects. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

The human-environment relationship is a high-stakes one. Humans depend inescapably on ecological systems, but most economies today grow by degrading these ecologies. From escalating extinction levels to climate change, humans – some more than others – are modifying environments at a rapid pace with devastating consequences for many species’ lives and ways of living. Humans, too, bear these consequences – but not equally. For a long time, some people have profited from ecological change while others have lost out. This means the relationships between society and nature, or humans and the world in which they are entangled, are sites of intense political struggle. To explore these relationships and struggles, in this course we draw on geographical and critical approaches, including political ecology, environmental justice, settler colonial studies, and Indigenous and ecofeminist thought. Through academic and popular readings, writing-focused assignments, lectures, films, and class discussion, the course stages conversation between students and 1) cultural commentaries on nature-society relations, 2) academic ideas about ecological issues, and 3) people struggling to institute more equitable relations with nature. Students will thus refine their ability to contribute to public debate over key nature-related issues, and to make connections between these issues by situating them in shared systems and histories.

There will be no tutorials during the first week of class

Grading

  • 3 Reading/film response essays 30%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Position paper 25%
  • Tutorial attendance, preparation/questions and participation 20%

NOTES:

Evaluation (tentative)

Grading Scale
A+       90-100
A         85-89
A-        80-84 
B+       76-79
B         72-75
B-        68-71
C+       64-67
C         60-63  
C-        55-59
D         50-54
F          0-49

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No required course textbook


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.