Undergraduate Officer
G. Michalenko, ES1 206, ext. 6577
Courses not offered in the current academic year are listed at the end of this section
ERS 100 F 2C,1T 0.5
Issue Analysis and Problem Solving for Environmental Studies 1
Designed to complement the introductory overview of ENV S
195. Selected themes and case examples are analyzed within a framework
of concepts and theories from the natural and social sciences. Students
undertake practical exercises to develop analytic and problem-solving
skills.
Prereq: Environment and Resource Studies students only
ERS 101 W 2C,2T 0.5
Issue Analysis and Problem Solving for Environmental Studies 2
Continuation of ERS 100.
Prereq: Environment and Resource Studies students only
ERS 218 F 3C 0.5
Introduction to Sustainable Environmental and Resource Systems
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.
Prereq: At least second-year standing
ERS 231 W 2C 0.5
Environmental Issues in a Global Perspective
This course examines the various political, economic and social
factors in development and environmental concerns in various Third
World countries. Special focus is on health-care systems, agricultural and
forestry practices and policies, water management and resource ownership.
Students are encouraged to study one country in some depth, and to submit
seminars and projects.
Prereq: ENV S 195 or consent of instructor
ERS 241 W 3C 0.5
Introduction to Environmental Assessment
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.
Prereq: At least second-year standing
ERS 275A/B/C F,W,S 2R 0.5
Special Readings
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.
Prereq: Consent of instructor and contract required
The letter designation allows this course to be taken more than once for
credit
ERS 285 W 3C 0.5
Greening the Campus
This course will use the campus as a laboratory for exploring how
to evaluate the environmental appropriateness of an activity. Students will
be asked to take some activity on the campus and perform a quantitative
systems analysis to evaluate its environmental performance. Various kinds
of environmental audits will be covered (i.e. energy, water, waste, etc.) as
well as the basis of a systems approach to analysis. Students will be
expected on the basis of their analysis to identify areas where
environmental performance might be improved. The course will involve
considerable field work on the campus.
Prereq: ERS 218 and ENV S 178 or consent of instructor
ERS 317 W 3C 0.5
Waste Management
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.
Prereq: Students with third-year standing or consent of
instructor
Field trip fee $20-$25
ERS 319 F 2C,1T 0.5
Greenways
A Greenway system is a linked open space network. A Greenway
Plan provides an ecological and human system of trails and routeways
made up of existing trails, riverine lands, coastal lands and rail trails. The
objectives of the course will be to understand how to design, realize and
manage a greenway system.
Prereq: Second-year standing or above
ERS 330 F,W 3C 0.5
Environmental Journalism 1
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.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
ERS 337 F 3C 0.5
Biophysical Impact Assessment
Major problems and issues in the management of environmental
impacts stemming from development projects. Synthesis of ecological,
economic and institutional aspects. Integrating environmental management
with social and economic development policies and programs.
Prereq: ERS 241 or consent of instructor
Field trip fee $20-$25
ERS 338 W 3C 0.5
Socioeconomic Impact Assessment
Introduction to the background, theory and methodology of social
impact assessment (SIA). SIA as a type of social science research and as a
key element in achieving more informed and responsible decision-making
in society. Experience in SIA design for environmentally-relevant cases.
Prereq: ERS 241 or consent of instructor
ERS 352 F 2C,1T 0.5
Current Issues in the Canadian North
Introduction to contemporary environmental, social, economic
and political issues in Canada's North, principally Yukon, Northwest
Territories and Northern Quebec and Labrador. Lectures will discuss
homeland and frontier perspectives, economic development and
environmental conservation, the northern economies, native land claims
and political development.
Prereq: At least second-year standing
Antireq: CDNST 301
ERS 361 W 3C 0.5
International Communication System and Development
Information and ideas constitute the most basic resource of a
people. This course will explore the role of various mass media,
newspapers, T.V., cinema, magazines, radio, travellers, in the process of
development. What is the nature of mass education in a developing society?
How do the media hinder or contribute to social change? These and many
related questions will be explored in the context of a number of different
societies.
Prereq: At least second-year standing or consent of
instructor
ERS 362Z F 2.5
Waterloo in USA - Michigan
Description in Environmental Studies program section
ERS 363Z W 2.5
Waterloo in USA - Michigan
As 362Z.
ERS 364Z S 2.5
Waterloo in USA - Michigan
As 362Z.
ERS 370 F 3C 0.5
"Green" Business: Context, Prospects and Pitfalls
A seminar course that allows students to examine in detail the
problems and opportunities involved in making the private sector more
environmentally sustainable. This exploration will take place within the
broader social, political and economic context of the debates about
"shallow" and "deep" ecology.
Prereq: Second-year standing or above
ERS 375A/B/C F,W,S 2R 0.5
Special Readings or Seminars on Selected Topics
Prereq: Consent of instructor and contract required
The letter designation allows this course to be taken more than once for
credit
ERS 390A F,S 2C,1T 0.5
Seminar-Workshop
Individual or small group project emphasizing multidisciplinary
treatment of environmental problems. Work encouraged on situations of
interest to community organizations, government agencies or other groups.
Prereq: Students with third-year standing in Environment
and Resource Studies
ERS 390B F,W,S 4S,wkshp 0.5
Seminar-Workshop
Normally a continuation of 390A; may also be a separate project
as described in 390A.
Prereq: ERS 390A
ERS 395 F 2C,1S 0.5
Development of Environmental Thought 1
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.
Prereq: Environment and Resource Studies students only
with at least second-year standing or consent of instructor
ERS 418B F 3C 0.5
Seminar on Strategies for Sustainable Development
Using selected environmental systems and resource use activities
the course will analyse selected policy, planning and implementation
strategies for sustainable development. The analysis will include
consideration of organizational and institutional arrangements. Various
approaches reflecting local, regional and international experiences will be
compared and contrasted.
ERS 430 F,W 3C 0.5
Environmental Journalism 2
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.
Prereq: ERS 375A or 330, permission of instructor
ERS 445 W 3C 0.5
Impact Assessment and Policy Analysis: Practicum
Students will draw on knowledge and experience gained in the
prerequisite theme courses to critique and/or design impact analyses of a
variety of Rreal-worldS activities, including policy initiatives, technological
choices, environmentally-relevant proposals, economic strategies and
others of special interest or significance.
Prereq: ERS 241, 337 and 338, or consent of instructor
ERS 474A-Z F,W,S 3C 0.5
Special Topics in Environment and Resource Studies
These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term
basis, and for the development of future permanent courses.
Prereq: Consent of instructor
ERS 475A/B/C F,W,S 2R 0.5 each
Special Readings or Seminar on Selected Topics
See course descriptions under ERS 275 and 375.
Prereq: Consent of instructor and contract required
The letter designation allows this course to be taken more than once for
credit.
ERS 490A F,W,S 2C 0.5
Senior Honours Assignment
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. Study beyond the 490 level requires faculty approval.
Prereq: Students with fourth-year standing in Environment
and Resource Studies only
ERS 490B F,W,S 2C 0.5
Senior Honours Assignment
Continuation of ERS 490A
Prereq: ERS 490A
ERS 491A F,W,S 4C 1.0
Senior Honours Assignment
See description for ERS 490A.
Prereq: Students with fourth-year standing in Environment
and Resource Studies only. Permission of 90's Co-ordinator and selected
advisor.
ERS 491B F,W,S 4C 1.0
Senior Honours Assignment
Continuation of ERS 491A.
Prereq: ERS 491A
ERS 492A F,W,S 6C 1.5
Senior Honours Assignment
See description for ERS 490A.
Prereq: Students with fourth-year standing in Environment
and Resource Studies only. Permission of 90's Co-ordinator and selected
advisor.
ERS 492B F,W,S 6C 1.5
Senior Honours Assignment
Continuation of ERS 492A.
Prereq: ERS 492A
ERS 496 W 2C,1S 0.5
Development of Environmental Thought 2
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.
Prereq: ERS 395 and third-year standing or consent of
instructor
Courses not offered 1995-96
ERS 150 Environmental Issues: Methods and Techniques
ERS 280 Applied Field Studies
ERS 305 EcosystemPerspectives and Analyses
ERS 318 Soft Resource Paths in Canada/ Sustainable Resource Development
ERS 350 Community Action on Environmental Problems
ERS 351 Organizations and Environmental Management in the Canadian North
ERS 360 Nature: Art, Myth and Folklore
ERS 385 Technology/Lifestyles for a Conserver Society
ERS 391A Seminar Workshop
ERS 391B Seminar Workshop
ERS 480 Special Topics Seminar
[AHS] [Arts] [Eng] [ES] [IS] [Math] [Sci] [Inter] [Calendar Top] [UW Home]
Infoucal@www.adm.uwaterloo.ca / University of Waterloo