ERS Course Descriptions

Environment and Resource Studies (2009-2010)

Introduces analytical approaches for problem definition and problem solving that are appropriate for a wide range of environment and resource issues. Considers the limitations of approaches that perceive and attempt to manage issues as isolated phenomena. Also examines alternative approaches that recognize the broader context and underlying roots in ethical positions and ecological, economic and institutional systems.

Application of the principles presented in ERS 100 in a role-playing simulation. Background to a current environmental dispute and pertinent issues of science, governance, and resolution will be presented. Directed and self-guided work using the internet as a source of information and communication. Student groups take on the personae of stakeholders; prepare position papers and evidence, and participate in a major exercise of dispute resolution in the presence of invited experts.

Examines the interface between human development and the environment in a global context. Various perspectives are explored to link environmental issues to wealth, poverty, consumption, population, and economic globalization. Case studies, with an emphasis on developing countries, are used to illustrate linkages.

The use of systems theory as a theoretical basis for the study of the sustainability of biophysical and socio-economic systems is considered. The fundamentals of systems thinking and a complex adaptive systems approach are discussed and their application to issues and field work are employed to demonstrate the effective use of a systems approach in resolving technical aspects of environmental problems while considering community needs and aspirations, as well as implications for governance, management, and monitoring.

Examination of patterns and trends in major environmental systems and natural resource use. Analysis of these resources in the context of sustainable development. Local, regional and global systems will be examined.

A theoretical and practical introduction to processes and techniques for incorporating environmental considerations in planning and evaluating proposals for future undertakings that may have significant social and biophysical effects. The course provides an overview of methodologies for, and controversies surrounding, the design and conduct of biophysical and socioeconomic impact studies, and the testing of reported findings. The main focus is on the purposes and design of environmental assessment processes, with particular reference to the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial regimes. Consideration of case examples is emphasized.

The campus and the community will be used as a laboratory for identifying, evaluating and assessing indicators of progress toward greater sustainability. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, projects designed to test criteria for sustainability in a variety of settings, both on and off campus, will be developed. Using 'real life' problems and issues, physical and social data will be collected and analysed drawing on a variety of tools including: systems analysis, environmental audits, field surveys, questionnaires, interviews and statistical analysis. On the basis of these analyses, recommendations for improvements will be made.

Considers a variety of contemporary issues within the context of local politics and governance. The course explores the nature of a healthy community by examining issues related to environmental concerns, land use, economic development, community health, transportation, and public participation.

Provides both survey and detailed examinations of the ethics, science, and techniques involved in sustainable agriculture. Topics normally include management of crops, soil, water, nutrients, wastes and pesticides, integrated pest management, organic farming, permaculture, ecological farm planning, use of genetically modified organisms, urban agriculture in developing nations, and innovations such as computer modelling and precision farming. Course may be offered in any term; when offered in the spring term, it will usually involve at least one field trip.

Background reading and study in consultation with faculty. Typically utilized when a student must study a topic in connection with other work, but no course offering in that topic is available.

Analysis of selected environmental issues or programs with particular emphasis on applied problem-solving/management perspectives. Field trips to chosen sites will be conducted to gather information for analysis. Key organizations and people will be involved in field trips and discussions.

An introduction to natural history, the art and science of identifying organisms and observing their behaviour and ecological interactions. The students will reside for approximately nine days in a location in Ontario having exceptional biodiversity. They will learn about local species (with an emphasis on insects, plants, and terrestrial vertebrates), human history and conservation initiatives. Each student must complete a project on a group of organisms or an ecological "pattern," in consultation with the professor.

An examination of the past and present effects of Christianity and other world religions on human treatment of the natural world. Historical background, recent debates, and contemporary approaches to the ethical issues will be investigated.

Examination of the concept of the ecosystem presented in recent writings about non-equilibrium thermodynamics, ecological paradigms, conservation biology and environmental philosophy. Discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of these contrasting perspectives for issues of research/environmental management and sustainable development.

Planning of urban and regional water and wastewater systems, including development of long term strategies and master plans, demand and supply management, end-use modelling, least cost planning and pricing concepts. Field trips to water supply and wastewater treatment plants and demonstration of water efficiency and reuse projects are taken as appropriate. A project based on a specific region or city provides experience in how to approach the task of developing an integrated strategy or plan.

This course will deal with the solid waste system, landfilling, incineration, energy from waste, recycling, composting, reduction and reuse. The context will be primarily Ontario and municipal waste management.

This course examines the context for environmental decision-making in terms of Canadian public policy, global and domestic economy, political and business agenda-setting, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of public and private institutions and actors in shaping the environment. Attention is devoted to alternative solutions and approaches that support the goal of long-term ecological integrity.

Introduction to writing (and preparing graphics) for print media on environmental issues, through practical experience working on the environmental journal Alternatives: Perspectives on Society, Technology and Environment. Each participant covers an environmental news beat in a selected regional (e.g. Atlantic Canada) or sectoral (e.g. law, technology, waste) topic area.

Consideration of major problems and issues in the assessment and management of environmental impacts of projects, policies and plans. The course provides a synthesis of ecological, physical, economic, socio-cultural and institutional concerns, as well as experience in the use of impact assessment methodologies and approaches as a key element in achieving more informed and responsible decision making.

This course explores the symbolic representation of nature in art, architecture, myth and literature from a multi-cultural perspective. The ideas about sacred spaces and environments will also be discussed.

A course that examines the ways in which sustainability issues and business operations have interacted, considering progressively 'greener' corporate responses and broader sustainability challenges.

This course will take an ecosystem approach to the issues of environment and health. The environment as defined in this course includes the natural (biological), built, social and political settings. Case studies will be used to illustrate environmental health issues using an interdisciplinary approach.

First Nation environmental issues are often complex and require a holistic approach where the lines between different disciplines (e.g. natural, physical, health, and social sciences) are often obscured. The environment, as described in this course, includes the natural (biological) and built (social, political) settings. Case studies will be used to illustrate significant issues.

Background reading and study in consultation with faculty. Typically utilized when a student must study a topic in connection with other work, but no course offering that topic is available.

Exploration of the philosophical, conceptual, political and practical foundations of restoration in ecosystems, siting strategies, succession management, community assembly and restoration in different habitats.

This block field course provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge of ecological monitoring through active participation in programs applying protocols developed by the Smithsonian Institute and the UN Man and the Biosphere Program. This course is a collaborative effort with professional staff from the Niagara Escarpment Commission as well as guests from other organizations and interest groups along the Niagara Escarpment.

This course examines the fundamental concepts of terrestrial ecosystems in tropical climates. The course has three sections: (1) biophysical aspects (climate, location, landforms, soil, vegetation), (2) tropical resource systems (forest- and agroecosystems) within the framework of conventional and sustainable resource extraction, and (3) current conservation issues. Case studies are presented.

Introduction to elements of research conception and design through focus on preparation of a research grant proposal. Lectures will address the different elements of proposal writing using a simulated professional or scholarly grant proposal writing exercise. Guest lectures by ERS faculty on their own research will provide illustrative case studies. ERS 390 will assist students to move on to their capstone individual research course ERS 490, Senior Honours Project.

Examination of conflicting positions on how we do and should view the natural world and ourselves, beginning with review of the history of attitudes to the environment and our place in it. Emphasis on evolution of attitudes to human nature and the environment in industrial society, critiques of these attitudes and implications for approaches to modern environmental issues.

Examination of the ways in which world society is striving to address environmental challenges by means of 'global governance' - that is, international organizations and institutions intended to deal with these challenges. The history of international environmental politics will be reviewed, specific organizations and other actors involved in global environmental governance will be examined and the management of particular global environmental challenges investigated.

Human dimensions of the climate change issue: historical changes in understanding climate change and its impacts on society; temporal and spatial variations in assigning causality, and in identifying/accepting responsibility for mitigation of and adaptation to impacts.

Focus on analyzing social and environmental problems and creating strategies for change. Theories and concepts of community development, critical analysis and praxis - integration of action and reflection - will be introduced. The role and importance of social movements, including environmentalism, feminism, and the peace movement will be discussed. Skills in developing and implementing change strategies in areas such as facilitation, consensus-backed decision-making and conflict resolution will be introduced.

Advanced work in environmental journalism including examination of ethical issues and practical problems. Special attention to complex stories, editing and design. Course focus depends on nature of individual projects selected by participants.

Examination of new concepts and broader applications of environmental assessment principles and practices. The course focus will vary from year to year following developments in the field. Anticipated topics include assessment of cumulative environmental effects, integration of assessment into land use planning and community design, policy and program assessment, and assessment of new technologies and alternative futures.

These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term basis, and for the development of future permanent courses.

Background reading and study in consultation with faculty. Typically utilized when a student must study a topic in connection with other work, but no course offering that topic is available.

This web-based course is designed to assist undergraduate teaching assistants in developing their own philosophy and strategies for environmental education, explore various methods in teaching, and become effective teachers themselves. TAs will learn how to document, prepare, and implement lesson plans for tutorials, evaluate assignments, communicate effectively, and develop productive approaches to effective class session management.

This course examines the role of soil in the environment, its importance as a natural resource in agricultural and forest productivity, and the effects on soil resources as a result of different management practices. It is divided into three sections: 1) introduction to soil composition, formation, and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil; 2) soil degradation and management approaches to rehabilitation; 3) soil pollution and the role of soil in maintaining environmental integrity.

Examines the global nature of food systems from production to consumption, including both industrial and alternative models. Specific themes covered in the course include technological change in agriculture, corporate concentration, international agricultural trade, food aid, fair trade, and organic production in the Global North and South.

A project of sufficient scope to demonstrate mastery of problem- solving and communication skills on a selected problem or issue concerning human interrelationships with the environment. Credit weights for 490, 491 and 492 vary depending on the amount of work involved and the depth of the subject matter.

Continuation of ERS 490A.

See description for ERS 490A.

Continuation of ERS 491A.

See description for ERS 490A.

Continuation of ERS 492A.

Examination of twentieth century concerns about industrial progress and treatment of people and the environment. Focus on problems and promises of efforts to dominate nature through scientific and technological advance; alternative views on the nature of scientific knowledge and human well-being, and the rise of modern environmentalism. Assessment of alternative futures.