Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GEOG 104 D100

Climate Change, Water, and Society (3)

Class Number: 4078

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2020
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of climate change, its interaction with water availability, and how humans cope with these altered circumstances. Students who have completed GEOG 102 prior to the fall 2011 term may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course begins by introducing students to the climate system and controls on Earth’s climate. We then examine the causes of climate change and how future climate pathways are modelled before considering the impacts on natural and human systems and exploring options to mitigate and/or adapt to changing climatic conditions. We also discuss the governance of climate change, and investigate why this issue is still a controversial topic in politics and the media, despite overwhelming scientific consensus that Earth’s climate system is warming.  

  • 1 hr of optional synchronous Q & A during scheduled lecture time every week (Wed 2:30-3:30)
  • rest is asynchronous

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Explain the complexity of the climate system and identify linkages between its components, including stocks, flows, and feedback processes.
  • Think critically about the science behind natural and human disruptions to the climate system.
  • Building from the science, recall and explain the social, political, and economic drivers and impacts of climate change
  • Differentiate between evidence-based claims and pseudo-science.
  • Practice diverse modes of communication of climate change causes, impacts, and solutions, demonstrating awareness of audience
  • Demonstrate improved climate literacy

Grading

  • Learning plan 5%
  • Graph interpretation assignment 5%
  • Climate change communication project (group), (2 assignments, worth 7.5% each) 15%
  • Course engagement activities 10%
  • Learning portfolio 10%
  • Module Quizzes (x 6) 30%
  • Final Exam (synchronous) 25%

NOTES:

Grading Scale (subject to change)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Access to a computer with reliable internet connection and working microphone
  • Microsoft Office software (can be downloaded for free from SFU)

REQUIRED READING:

Understanding Climate Change : Science, Policy, and Practice
By Burch, Sarah, Harris, Sara
ISBN-13: 9781442614451
University of Toronto Press

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).