Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - REM 321 D100

Ecological Economics (4)

Class Number: 1391

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2019
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.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:

We will draw from many real-world examples of environmental problems, including climate change, fisheries management and biodiversity loss. We will learn and use several tools from ecological economics, including ecological footprint, cost-benefit analysis, valuation of ecosystem services, measures of economic growth versus development, and definitions of “sustainability.”

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. 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%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam-comprehensive 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

We will use the iClicker student response system in class to make the course more interactive. Students are required to have either a personal iClicker (can be purchased from the SFU Bookstore) or a subscription of the iClicker-REEF mobile app.

REQUIRED READING:

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach, 4rd Edition (2018), Jonathan Harris and Brian Roach, M.E. Sharpe. Available at SFU bookstore (a few copies will be on reserve at SFU.)
ISBN: 9781138659476

A number of additional online (electronic) readings will be uploaded to the course website, including reports, journal articles and several newspaper/magazine articles.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS