FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES York University BES Program COURSE SYLLABUS ENVS 1000 6.0 – Perspectives in Environmental Studies: Earth in our Hands Fall - Winter 2008/09 Calendar Description : The purpose of this course is to provide students with an initial overview of the concepts and methods that characterise Environmental Studies, including frameworks for analysis and action. Prerequisite: This course is open to students in the first year of study: Unenrolled students seeking to join the class in higher years should seek permission from the instructor. Course Director: Chris Cavanagh, HNES 114, Course Consultation Hours: 10:30a.m. 12:30p.m. Wednesdays (other times by appointment). Tel. (416) 736-2100 x22105; E-mail: story@web.ca (A website will be available during the term.) Teaching Assistants Tania Hernandez-Cervantes David Hoile Vanessa Holm Stephanie Kirkland Hannah Lewis Ian Malczewski Timothy Quick Helena Shimeles Helen Thang Kasim Tirmizey Carolyn Young ecotania [ at ] hotmail [ dot ] com dhoile [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca v.m.holm [ at ] hotmail [ dot ] com sskirkland [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com lewish [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca ianma20 [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca timquick [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca shimeles [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca hthang [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca kasimali [ at ] yorku [ dot ] ca carolyn.cay [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com Course consultation hours & location: TBA Course Management In this course, the Course Director and the Teaching Assistants form a Teaching Team. The Teaching Assistants, who are either MES or PhD Candidates in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, will share with the Course Director responsibility for the overall shape and direction of course activities. Time and Location Lectures: Wednesdays, 2:30 - 4:30, Curtis Lecture Hall L Tutorials: Wednesdays (W) and Thursdays (R) : 1 TUTR 01 W 16:30 HNE 102 TUTR 02 W 16:30 ACE 002 TUTR 03 W 16:30 HNE 033 TUTR 04 W 16:30 HNE 101 TUTR 05 R 12:30 HNE B10 TUTR 06 R 12:30 HNE 001 TUTR 07 W 16:30 HNE 035 TUTR 08 W 16:30 HNE 036 TUTR 09 W 16:30 HNE 103 TUTR 10 R 12:30 HNE 102 TUTR 11 R 12:30 HNE 104 TUTR 12 W 16:30 HNE 104 TUTR 13 R 9:30 HNE B11 TUTR 14 R 10:30 HNE B10 TUTR 15 R 10:30 HNE B11 TUTR 16 R 9:30 HNE 104 TUTR 17 R 9:30 VH 2000 TUTR 18 W 16:30 VH 1020 TUTR 19 W 16:30 VH 3005 TUTR 20 R 12:30 VC115 Hannah Lewis Kasim Tirmizey Carolyn Young Helena Shimeles Hannah Lewis David Hoile Vanessa Holm David Hoile Timothy Quick Vanessa Holm Tania Hernandez-Cervantes Ian Malczewski Stephanie Kirkland Kasim Tirmizey Carolyn Young Helen Thang Helena Shimeles Stephanie Kirkland Helen Thang Ian Malczewski Note: TAs have been directed not to accept students into a tutorial unless they have formally registered in that section. In exceptional circumstances, the Course Director will consider recommending to the Undergraduate Program Director that a student be permitted to change tutorial group enrolment; a written request detailing the reasons why a change is being requested and the choice of alternative tutorials must be submitted to the Course Director prior to the first tutorial session. Purpose and Objectives of the Course: This course is designed to provide students with a perspective or framework of understanding for environmental studies at the broadest level. The course introduces students to environmental issues, using the urgent, emerging prospect of the fate of the “Earth in our hands” as the organizing principle. Lecture and tutorial topics will range over a number of environmental approaches, drawing on a diversity of arts and sciences, including environmental history, environmental ethics, ecology, economics, and planning, emphasizing the fact that Environmental Studies is fundamentally an attempt to integrate the study of the natural world with the study of the human dimensions of that world. The specific objectives of the course include: 1. to provide a critical framework of understanding environmental studies 2. to provide an overview of the range of concerns included within environmental studies Organization of the Course The weekly course format will consist of a two hour lecture which all students will attend; and a 2 one hour mandatory tutorial. Participation marks will be assigned by the tutorial leaders in consultation with the course director. The lectures will be conducted with the full class, and will involve the course director and selected guest lecturers. Each lecture will contain 2 50 minute sessions (with a 10 minute break). Tutorial sessions will last for 50 minutes and will be conducted in groups of 20-25 students meeting with a TA (Teaching Assistant) acting as the tutorial leader. The tutorial session will be the main context for discussion of required and recommended reading, and the submission of the course assignments. The required readings are central to the course. The lectures and tutorials will serve to enrich, clarify, and illustrate crucial issues from the assigned readings. Readings listed under a particular date are assigned for tutorial discussion on that date. Evaluation Assignments, including Examinations, will be graded by the assigned TA under the supervision of the Course Director. Questions about marks received should be taken first to the relevant TA. The course mark will be based on one short essay assignment early in the first term, a research essay in the second term, and two exams, one at the end of each term. The final exam is cumulative over the year. The grade for the course** will be based on the following items weighted as indicated: Essay 1 Mid-Term Exam Research Essay 2 Final Exam Participation (Tutorials) 15% 20%***+++ 25% 25% 15% * The Senate Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy stipulates that (a) the grading scheme (i.e. kinds and weights of assignments, essays, exams, etc.) be announced, and be available in writing, within the first two weeks of class, and that, (b) under normal circumstances, graded feedback worth at least 15% of the final grade for Fall, Winter or Summer Term, and 30% for ‘full year’ courses be received by students in all courses PRIOR to the final withdrawal date from a course without receiving a grade. That is, students MUST receive at least 15% (for term courses) or 30% (for full-year courses) of their grades BEFORE Nov. 7, 2008 (for fall courses), Feb. 6, 2009 (for full-year courses) and March 10, 2009 (for winter courses). The policy is available at http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/gradfeed.htm. THIS IS A STRICT RULE, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO COMPLY. ** If final grades are subject to grades distribution adjustment, it should be specifically noted in this section by including the following statement: “Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.” 3 *** If Term Test are to be held outside of regularly scheduled class time, include announcement of day, date and time here (e.g., Saturday, October X, 200Y, 10 am to 11:30, room TBA). +++ An exam or term test worth more than 20% of the final grade may not be given during the final two weeks of classes. Assignment 1(FIRST TERM): A short research Essay (3-5 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font, with one inch margins). This assignment will require you to write on a topic to be assigned early in the first term. Assignment 2 (SECOND TERM): Research Essay (10-12 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font, and with inch margins). This assignment will require you to write a research paper on a particular environmental issue. A list of topics will be circulated at the outset of the winter term. You will also receive materials on bibliographic referencing. Exams (Mid-Term and Final): The mid-term exam will be two hours, held in December; the final exam will be three hours, held in April. They will both be a mix of multiple choice questions, required short definitions/essays, and long essays. Tutorial Participation: The tutorial participation grade will be based on attendance at tutorials, and on regular and informed participation in discussions or other presentations assigned by the TA.Attendance will be taken at each tutorial. One missed session will not affect the participation grade, but appropriate documentation (such as a note from a physican) must be provided for any absence from tutorials for more than one week. Any personal emergencies that might affect your participation or attendance should be reported to your TA as soon as possible. Each student should obtain an account (no charge) to access the FES networks of Macintosh and PC computers. All assignments submitted must be word-processed. Students should retain a personal disk copy of all assignments in case of screw-ups! (For assignments submitted on the last day of class, please refer to “Instructions for Submission and Return of Final Assignments” section below) Required Reading: There is no required textbook for the first term: required readings will be posted or directed on the course website. There will be a required course kit for the second term. Supplementary Reading (Recommended - not required): Worster, Donald 1994 Nature’s Economy: A History of Ecological Ideas (Second Edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Some readings from this book will be assigned as handouts.) McMichael, A.J. 1994 Planetary Overload. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (This book 4 provides essential scientific information on global environmental change.) Conca, Ken et al (eds.) 1995 Green Planet Blues: Environmental Politics from Stockholm to Rio. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press. (An excellent collection of essays on planetary politics.) Adelson, Glenn, et al 2008 Environment: An interdisciplinary Anthology. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. (a brand new anthology with a wide selection of relevant readings including 10 case studies on urgent issues.) FALL TERM: The Fall Term is divided into two parts -- Part 1: "Earth in Our Hands” -- that is, what is the environmental situation we face as we enter the next millenium; and Part 2: "Green History & The Nature of Nature” -- the commanding ideas of Nature and society that have shaped the development of human history. This will provide an overview of the fundamentals of emerging environmental thought and practice. Schedule of Topics The following list of lecture topics and readings is subject to change. Remember that the readings listed under each date are assigned to be read by that date and will be discussed at the tutorial following that date. Readings for the first term will be posted in the previous week for the following week on the class Web site. PART 1: THE EARTH IN OUR HANDS (unless specified, all readings are by Peter Timmerman)): wk 1 2 date title Sep 3 Introduction to the Course: "The Earth in Our Hands” Sep 10 "Where Do We Find Ourselves?” 3 Sep 17 Boom and Bust: Ecology & Society 4 Sep 24 Environmentalism desc readings Environmental studies is a complex mixture of the physical and the social -- the natural ecosystems of the earth, and the way in which people think about them, react to them, reshape them. The best frame for study is the Earth as a whole -- its physical and human dimensions. Case Study: The Monarch Butterfly. We look early on at the basic signals and dimensions of global change through time, and take an initial look at the transformation of the earth by human activity, and the elements of human productivity and development that have led to the current environmental crisis. Case Study: Mount St. Helens. A brief introduction to some basic tools of the environmental trade, including population growth, competition for resources, ecological niches, the "J curve” and the "S” curve. These are explored through examples of environmental need and history. Case Study: The Plagues of History A first look at the elements of environmental study and concern. The mixture of powerful images and ideas, emerging ecological and planetary science, and new legislative and institutional frameworks, is outlined. Some elements of modern industrial society and their environmental impact, ranging from synthetic chemicals to the foundations of modern agribusiness. Case Study: Mauve. Introducing the topics of the first short paper 5 1. “Where Do We Stand With The Earth?” 2. “ The Monarch Butterfly: A Case Study” 3. Raven, Peter. 2003. “Our Choice: How Many Species Will Survive the 21st Century?”. The Fifth Darwin Lecture: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/dar win/lecture/030521.htm (Sept 1, 04). 4. “Gaia and the Earth System”. 5. “Why Do Societies Collapse?” PART 2: GREEN HISTORY & THE NATURE OF NATURE date title desc readings 5 Oct 1 Environments and Myths of Nature: Cosmologies and Concerns An introduction to the governing structural, paradigmatic myths of Nature in Western Society, and in contrast to non-Western approaches. 6. “The Human Dimension” 7. Environmental Chronology 6 Oct 8 Agriculture and The Rise of Cities 7 Oct 15 Ancient views of Nature: The Greeks, the Hebrews, and After 8 Oct 22 The Medieval View of the Natural World 9 Oct 29 The Renaissance and the Birth of Science 10 Nov 5 The Rise of the Modern : The Clash of Ecologies wk The domestication of plants and animals, and in the rise of the “hydraulic civilizations” of Sumer, Egypt, and China. The later ancient world (especially around the Mediterranean, e.g. Greece) had a complex set of Gods, and a set of sacred rituals involving nature. These complexes of myth were challenged by the rise of monotheism, first in Judaism, modified in Christianity, and further exemplified in Islam. Additions to the “mix” were provided by the first philosophers of science. The Christian view of Nature has arguably had the greatest impact on the development of modern Western thought. It reached a zenith in the Middle Ages. At the same time, there were traces, subversions, and subterranean survivals of alternative views of nature. The roots of the modern scientific method and perspectives on the natural world, including the interplay of abstraction and experiment that demolished the previous assumptions of the nature of the physical world, based on “Christianized Aristotle”. The globalization of European culture and "ecological imperialism”, including the impact of the European invasion of the Americas, and the rise of the modern company partly through investment in the spice, sugar, cotton, and slave trades. 8. “Environment/ History I: To the Rise of Cities” 9. “Environment/History II – The Rise of the West” 10. “St. Francis of Assisi: The First Environmentalist?” 11. “Environment/History III – Towards the Birth of Science and the Abstraction of Nature. 13. “Environment/History IV-- Ecological Imperialism” FIRST ESSAY IS DUE IN TUTORIAL THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 6 11 12 13 Nov 12 The Industrial Revolution and its consequences Nov 19 Romanticism, Darwin and the Rise of the Environmental Movement Nov 26 The Crisis of Modernity -- The Global Environment: Where We Are Now? The Industrial Revolution harnessed these forces, and among its other effects, was the uprooting of local peoples from their earlier worlds ( and world views) and their transformation into workers and machine-like resources. The Romantic rebellion was a widespread movement against aspects of the Industrial Revolution and elements of modern thought (though it built upon these movements as well), which was one major source of the Environmental Movement. The artistic and poetic re-casting of Nature is emphasized in Rousseau, Wordsworth, Blake and others, and form some of the main roots of modern Environmental thought. This focus on the natural world was disrupted and challenged with the publication of Darwin’s On The Origin of Species (1859). The arrival of modernity, the crisis involving human powers capable of threatening earth systems, and the prospect of “managing the earth”. FIRST TERM EXAMINATION DATE: T.B.A. 6 14. “Environment/History V - The Industrial Revolution and the Romantic Revolt” 15. Romantic Poetry 16. A Brief Look at Darwin 16. Environment/History VI – The Crisis of Modernity” WINTER TERM The Winter Term builds on the themes explored in the Fall term, but moves directly into the contemporary and emerging issues, focusing more specifically on FES Areas of Concentration for Fall 2009 (when many students will be entering second year). AREA OF CONCENTRATION: ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS wk date 14 Jan 7 15 Jan 14 title desc readings Other Environments: Non-Western Perspectives The Long Haul: Emerging Issues for the 21st Century Timmerman, P. 1988. 8 part Probe Post Series on Environment and World Religions. Munn, Ted, Anne Whyte, and Peter Timmerman. 1999. “Emerging Environmental Issues for the 21st Century” AREA OF CONCENTRATION: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 16 Jan 21 Environmental Economics: The Case of the Commons 17 Jan 28 Ecological Economics Timmerman, Peter. 2007. “Economics and the Environment”; Hardin, Garrett. 1968. “The Tragedy of the Commons,” originally in Science, to be found at: http://dieoff.org/page95.htm Victor, Peter. 1988. “The Economy and the Environment.” Lecturer: Peter Victor AREA OF CONCENTRATION: ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE 18 Feb 6 Timmerman, Peter. 2007. “The Basics of Environmental Ethics” Environmental Ethics NO CLASS WEEK OF FEB 11-17 AREA OF CONCENTRATION: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Feb 4 Water Class Handout: “The Baby and the Tiger”. Reading for Two Weeks: Timmerman, Peter. 2007. “Water” 20 Feb 11 Geo-Science and GeoPolitics: The Case of Global Climate Change IPCC Summary Report for Policymakers (November 2007) 21 Feb 25 Energy 22 Mar 4 Green Building and Design 19 “Material Concerns” (handout); Pembina Institute Report on Ontario 2004 Timmerman, Peter. 2007. “Green Cities, Green Building and Green Design.” AREA OF CONCENTRATION: ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE THE FINAL ESSAY IS DUE IN TUTORIAL THE WEEK OF MARCH 10 Mar 11 Environmental Literatures Jewett, Sarah Orne, “The White Heron” (story) 24 Mar 18 Environment and Gender Rosemary Reuther. 1993. “Ecofeminism: Symbolic and Social Connections of the Oppression of Women and the Domination of Nature” (pdf file) originally in Adams, Carol, Ecofeminism and the Sacred. New York, N.Y.: Continuum Publishing Co 25 Mar 25 Soundscapes and Landscape: Environmental Music Wrightson, Kendall. 2000. “An Introduction to Acoustic Ecology,” Soundscapes, 1 (pdf) 23 FINAL EXAM: April (TBA) 7 Grading Scheme, Assignment Submissions, and Lateness Penalties The grading scheme for ENVS courses conforms to the 9-point system used in other undergraduate programs at York. Assignments and tests will bear either a letter grade designation (e.g., A, B, C+, etc.) or an equivalent percentage grade. (See detailed descriptions in the FES Regulations or in the BES Supplementary Calendar.) The final grade for the course will be calculated using the weighting formula established above for this course. Instructions for Submission and Return of Final Assignments In cases where students will be handing an assignment late in the term and the Professor or Teaching Assistant will not have an opportunity to return the graded assignment in a subsequent class/tutorial, special arrangements must be made to accommodate students’ wishes to have the graded assignment returned to them: a) students must submit their final assignment with a self-addressed, stamped, envelope if they want to receive the graded assignment. If the assignment is more than 5 pages in length they are advised to have the post office weigh the package to determine appropriate postage required. b) if students do not attach a self-addressed stamped envelope, they must attach a document with their course details, their name and student number and their signature and a statement confirming they do not wish to have the assignment returned to them. Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time. Accordingly, the assignments for ENVS courses must be received by the Instructor or Teaching Assistant on the due date specified for the assignment. Assignments can also be handed in the 1000 course box across from Rm 114 -- NOT IN THE INSTRUCTORS OR T.A.’S PERSONAL BOXES . THE DATE MUST BE STAMPED ON THE ASSIGNMENT BY STAFF IN RECEPTION before depositing it in the course box. Note: students may have their essay or assignment date stamped by Reception staff in HNES 109. Once date stamped, Reception staff will deposit the essay or assignment in the course drop box on behalf of the student. Assignments should not be deposited in the Instructor’s or TA’s mailboxes in the HNES building, nor will they be accepted by OSAS staff. Lateness Penalty Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized 5% of the value of the assignment per day that the assignments are late. For example, if an assignment worth 20% of the total course grade is a day late, 1 point out of 20 (or 5% per day) will be deducted. Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc. will be entertained by the Course Director only when supported by written documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter). Missed Tests Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request 8 accommodation from the Course Instructor. (State accommodation arrangement: e.g., allowed to write a make-up test on xx date.) Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the Faculty. Inclusivity in the BES Program The BES Program strives to include a broad range of perspectives and substantive material in its course offerings. Central to a clear understanding of environmental problems is the link between exploitation of the natural world, and justice issues related to racism, gender inequity, and poverty. An inclusion of non-western perspectives is therefore essential to a fruitful discussion of North-South issues, and environmental debates generally. Religious Observance Days York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community, and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents. Should any of the dates specified in this syllabus for in-class test or examination pose such a conflict for you, contact the Course Director within the first three weeks of class. Similarly, should an assignment to be completed in a lab, practicum placement, workshop, etc., scheduled later in the term pose such a conflict, contact the Course director immediately. Please note that to arrange an alternative date or time for an examination scheduled in the formal examination periods (December and April/May), students must complete and Examination Accommodation Form, which can be obtained from Student Client Services, W120 Bennett Centre for Student Services or online at http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/pdf/exam_accommodation.pdf Student Representation In order to facilitate the expression of student views, the Course Director will allow for class time to elect a student representative from the class list to represent student views and promote dialogue. This representative will also act as a liaison between the Office of Student Academic Services and the Undergraduate Program Director. Academic Honesty York students are required to maintain high standard of academic integrity and are subject to the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty as set out by York University and by the Faculty of Environmental Studies. Please read the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty (which can be found as Appendix One of the Academic Regulations of the Faculty of Environmental Studies or in the University Policies and Regulations section of the York University Undergraduate Programs Calendar), available at: http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/acadhone.htm There is also an academic integrity website with complete information about academic honesty. Students are expected to review the materials on the Academic Integrity website at: http://www.yorku.ca/tutorial/academic_integrity/ 9 HPRC Review Process NOTE: there are no assignments in this course that will require involving human participants. FES GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR ETHICAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTS IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSES York students are subject to the York University Policy for the ethics review process for research involving Human Participants. All research activity with human participants and minimal risk as part of this course has to undergo ethical review. Please consider the following definitions: “Human participants” in research will be defined as persons who provide data or information to the researcher which are typically not part of their professional capacity. The draft definition of funded research from the Human Participants Review SubCommittee [HPRC] is: “‘Funded’ will refer to all research that is receiving money that is in response to a specific proposal and administered by the university. Research using monies not administered by the University, and/or not in response to a specific proposal, will be considered ‘unfunded’.” The definition of minimal risk being used is the one given in the SSHRC/NSERC/MRC Tri-Council Policy Statement Aethical Conduct for Research involving Humans@ (August, 1998): “If potential subjects can reasonably be expected to regard the probability and magnitude of possible harms implied by participation in the research to be no greater than those encountered by the subject in those aspects of his or her everyday life that relate to the research, then the research can be regarded as within the range of minimal risk.” (p. 1.5) HPRC review forms are available at: http://www.yorku.ca/fes/resources/acadreg/ Student Conduct Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterized by courtesy and mutual respect and to refrain from actions disruptive to such a relationship. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom, and the responsibility of the student to cooperate in that endeavour. Further, the instructor is the best person to decide, in the first instance, whether such an atmosphere is present in the class. A statement of the policy and procedures involving disruptive and/or harassing behaviour by students in academic situations is available on the York website at: http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/document.php?document=124 Access/Disability York provides services for students with disabilities (including physical, medical, learning and psychiatric disabilities) needing accommodation related to teaching and evaluation methods/materials. It is the student's responsibility to register with disability services as early as possible to ensure that appropriate academic accommodation can be provided with advance notice. You are encouraged to schedule a time early in the term to meet with each professor to discuss your accommodation needs. Failure to make these arrangements may jeopardize your opportunity to receive academic accommodations. 10 Additional information is available at www.yorku.ca/disabilityservices or from disability service providers: • Office for Persons with Disabilities: N108 Ross, 416-736-5140, www.yorku.ca/opd • Learning and Psychiatric Disabilities Programs - Counselling & Development Centre: 130 BSB, 416- 736-5297, http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/ • Atkinson students - Atkinson Counselling & Supervision Centre: 116 Atkinson, 416736- 5225, www.yorku.ca/atkcsc • Glendon students - Glendon Counselling & Career Centre: Glendon Hall E103, 416487- 6709, www.glendon.yorku.ca/counselling 11