Undergraduate Calendar 1998-1999

Undergraduate Officer
P. Kay, ES1-211, Ext. 5796

ERS100s

ERS 100 2C,1T 0.5
Issue Analysis and Problem Solving for Environmental Studies 1
Introduces analytical approaches for problem definition and problem solving that are appropriate for a wide range of environment and resource issues. Analyses of specific issues illustrate some interrelationships among environment and resource issues that are often perceived to be isolated from one another and "managed" accordingly, but in fact are rooted in ecological, economic and institutional systems. This course also serves as an introduction to other required courses in ERS.
Prereq: Environment and Resource Studies students only
Field Trip Fee: Estimated cost to student $100-150


ERS 101 2C,2T 0.5
Issue Analysis and Problem Solving for Environmental Studies 2
Continuation of ERS 100. Simulation of environmental dispute resolution, utilizing a current issue in a role-playing situation.
Prereq: Environment and Resource Studies students only
Field Trip Fee: $10-$15


ERS200s

ERS 218 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 219 3C 0.5
Approaches to Environmental Decision-Making
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.
Prereq: ERS 100
Coreq: ERS 100


ERS 231 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 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 270 3C 0.5
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Introductory self-directed course offering readings and experience in areas of skills and knowledge associated with sustainable agriculture. The course is divided into modules, including sections on urban farming/gardening, community-shared agriculture (CSA), biodynamic farming, permaculture, natural/organic farming, socio/political dimensions. Scheduled work hours on a local CSA farm and personal gardening are required.


ERS 275A-Z 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 280 3C 0.5
Applied Field Studies
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.
Field trip fee: $45


ERS 281 fldlab 0.5
Environmental Monitoring
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/Man and the Biosphere Program. The course is a collaborative effort with professional staff from selected governmental agencies.
Note: This course will be offered following spring examinations and prior to the fall term.


ERS 285 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


ERS300s

ERS 305 2C,1T 0.5
Ecosystem Perspectives and Analyses
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.
Prereq: ENV S 200, at least third-year standing, or consent of instructor


ERS 317 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 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 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: Consent of instructor


ERS 339 3C 0.5
Biophysical and Socioeconomic Impact Assessment
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.
Prereq: ERS 241, and ENV S 200 (or equivalent)
Field trip fee: $20-25


ERS 353 3C 0.5
The Politics of Sustainable Communities
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.
Prereq: Third-year standing


ERS 360 3C 0.5
Nature: Art, Myth and Folklore
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.
Prereq: Students with second-year standing or consent of instructor


ERS 370 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-Z 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 385 3C,1S 0.5
Technology/Lifestyles for a Conserver Society
What is a Conserver Society? What must we do to make our society into a Conserver Society? How do we evaluate the appropriateness of a lifestyle or technology for a Conserver Society? Is a Conserver Society realistic? This course will explore these questions, with emphasis on student participation in discussion and in seminar presentations. Lectures will focus on the basics of various technologies and lifestyles, and on quantitative techniques for comparing these.
Prereq: Third-year standing or above, or consent of instructor


ERS 390A 2C,1T 0.5
Environmental Research Project
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 must have completed 2nd year ERS required courses


ERS 390B 4S,wkshp 0.5
Environmental Research Project
Normally a continuation of 390A; may also be a separate project as described in 390A.
Prereq: ERS 390A


ERS 395 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


ERS400s

ERS 406 3C 0.5
Women and Environments
This seminar examines theoretical and practical aspects of the relationship between women and the environments they inhabit. Includes an examination of ecofeminism and its historical antecedents and other topics, including feminist geography and women in architecture and planning.
Prereq: Fourth year standing or consent of instructor


ERS 408 1C,2S 0.5
Atmospheric Resource Management
The atmosphere as a natural resource system, and human interactions with it. Topics chosen from: weather modification, climate change scenarios, impact assessments (past, present and future), policy implications for abatement and adaptation. Particular emphasis on the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Prereq: GEOG 208 or consent of instructor
Cross-listed as GEOG 408


ERS 409 3C 0.5
Activism! Community Action for Environmental and Social Change
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.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing, or consent of instructor.


ERS 410 3C 0.5
Public Administration of the Environment and Natural Resources
Considers government decision-making processes in the context of natural resources and the environment. Topics include an examination of the public interest, the structures of decision-making, federalism, interest group participation and the media, consensus-based processes and alternative dispute resolution.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing, or consent of instructor


ERS 418B
Seminar on Strategies for Sustainable Development


ERS 430 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 330, consent of instructor


ERS 445 3C 0.5
Environmental Assessment, Planning and Design
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.
Prereq: ERS 241 and ERS 339, or consent of instructor


ERS 474A-Z 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-Z 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 2C 0.5
Senior Honours Project
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.
Prereq: ERS 390B
Students wishing to do their senior honours for more than 0.5 credits (i.e. take ERS 491A&B or 492A&B) must get approval of 90's Co-ordinator and selected advisor. Only one of 490A&B, 491A&B, or 492A&B may be taken.


ERS 490B 2C 0.5
Senior Honours Project
Continuation of ERS 490A
Prereq: ERS 490A


ERS 491A 4C 1.0
Senior Honours Project
See description for ERS 490A.
Prereq: Students with fourth-year standing in Environment and Resource Studies only. Consent of 90's Co-ordinator and selected advisor.


ERS 491B 4C 1.0
Senior Honours Project
Continuation of ERS 491A.
Prereq: ERS 491A


ERS 492A 6C 1.5
Senior Honours Project
See description for ERS 490A.
Prereq: Students with fourth-year standing in Environment and Resource Studies only. Consent of 90's Co-ordinator and selected advisor.


ERS 492B 6C 1.5
Senior Honours Project
Continuation of ERS 492A.
Prereq: ERS 492A


ERS 496 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

The Undergraduate Calendar is published by the
Office of the Registrar, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
Inquiries: infoucal@www.adm.uwaterloo.ca
Revised February 1998