Download Ecology Environment and Society Lingnan University

Lingnan University
Department of Political Science
CLD9007/ POL111/ GED121 Ecology, the Environment and Society
Course Syllabus - Second Term 2012-13
Dr. Steve Kwok-Leung CHAN
Department of Political Science
Dorothy Y.L. Wong Building
Office : WYL311
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2616 7130
Office Hours: by appointment
Mode of Tuition: Lecture and tutorial (2 + 1 hours per week)
Brief Course Description
This course introduces students to:
(1) the basic science of environmental issues,
(2) the personal, political and societal behaviours contributing to those issues, and
(3) some of the ways in which we all can contribute to environmentally sustainable
development.
Aims
The aim of this course is to help students understand the ecological, human and
societal dimensions of environmental change in the modern world and the potential
alternatives to current conditions. Particular attention is given to basic concepts from
the environmental sciences and the underlying individual and societal forces shaping
environmental conditions in various parts of the world, including Hong Kong. The
course takes a comprehensive view of ecology, extending its meaning from purely
physical and biological aspects to cover the totality of mankind’s relationship with the
environment, including health and socio-economic well-being.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be equipped to:
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1. Read and understand literature on ecology and the environment in social science
perspective;
2. Describe and discuss fundamental issues affecting the environment and the
relationship between humanity and the environment.
3. Logically explain and analyze interconnections between the basic science, values,
societal relationships and policy processes underlying environmental issues.
4. Appraise and provide evidence of understanding the concept of environmental
citizenship and its potential to contribute to local and global environmental
challenges.
Indicative Content
1. The concept of ‘ecology’ and its influence on social thought.
2. An era of global environmental changes and challenges
3. Ecosystems and human wellbeing
4.
5.
6.
7.
Science of global climate change
Global energy demand: Impacts and inequalities
Food security and international inequality
Consumerism and economic globalization
8. Cities and their ecological impacts
9. Air pollution
10. Water pollution
11. Sustainable development: Governmental responses to environmental change
12. Individual responsibility, corporate social responsibility and environmental
citizenship
13. Crisis, continuity or a new age of flourishing and ‘sufficiency’?
Teaching Method
Lectures, tutorial discussions, basic library research and group project
Assessment and Measurement of Learning Outcomes
Continuous Assessment (50%) comprising the following:
Participation in classroom discussions/ in tutorials: (20%) [Learning outcome
1-4]
-
demonstrate an ability to discuss and argue about a topic in a logical and
well-organized manner
Group Project: (30 %) [Learning outcome 1-4]
To show that you are able to research a topic from a variety of different
sources;
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To cooperate with a small group of students in conducting the research; &
To write up your group paper in a consistent, regular and analytical
manner.
Final Examination (50%) [Learning outcome 1-4]
- examine your knowledge and understanding of the course
Students shall be aware of the University regulations about dishonest practice in
course work and the possible consequences as stipulated in the Regulations
Governing University Examinations.
Details of Tutorial Readings and Presentation
i. Every student should well prepared for each tutorial class, including read the
assigned article in advance or any other materials related to the weekly topic of
the lecture and tutorial. The list of topics and articles will be provided early in the
semester.
ii. Students in a group of about 3-5 persons are encouraged to present the assigned
article(s) of (or any other materials related to) the weekly topic of the lecture and
tutorial.
iii. The presentation will be in a casual manner which PowerPoint and other auxiliary
devices are not expected to use.
iv. Each group should make presentation at least once, most likely twice during the
semester.
Details of the Group Project
i. Students in a group of about 3-5 persons are required to conduct a library research
and write up a group paper of around 1500-2000 words. Original and empirical
researches are NOT required but the citations and references should be
acknowledged.
ii. The topic must concern the relationship between human beings/society and the
ecosystem or the environment. It could be an extension from one of the tutorial
topics, a discussion of the situation of ecosystem, the environmental impact, the
government policy or a policy actor’s proposal of response.
iii. The content must consists of citations from journal articles and book chapters, (if
applicable, policy statements of IGOs, the Government and NGOs).
iv. The group paper should be submitted during semester, preferable before
examination.
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Required/ Essential Readings
Main Reference
Raven, P., Hassenzahl, D. and Berg, L, 2013. Environment, 8th edition, International
Student Version, John Willey & Sons, Inc.
Supplementary Reference
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012. The State of Food
Insecurity in the World 2012. [pdf] Available at:
<http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/i3027e/i3027e.pdf> [Accessed 1 December, 2012].
Harper, C, 2011. Environment and Society: Human Perspectives on Environmental
Issues, 5th edition, Pearson.
Karl, T. R. and Trenberth, K. E., 2005. What is Climate Change? In: Lovejoy, T. E.
and Hannah, L., ed. Climate Change and Biodiversity. New Haven and London: Yale
University Press, pp. 15-28.
Lang, T, Barling, D and Caraher, M., 2009. Food policy: Integrating health,
environment and society. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Middleton, N., 2008. The Global Casino: An introduction to environmental issues, 4th
edition. London: Hodder Education.
Moran, E. F., 2006. People and Nature: An introduction to human ecological
relations. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
Newell, P. and Paterson, M., 2010. Climate Capitalism: Global warming and the
transformation of the global economy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
Princen, T., Maniates, M. and Conca, K. eds., 2002. Confronting Consumption.
Massachusetts: MIT Press.
Robbins, P, Hintz, J and Moore, S, 2010. Environment and Society: A Critical
Introduction, Willey-Blackwell.
Schmitz, O., 2007. Ecology and Ecosystem Conservaton, Wshington, D.C.: Island
Press.
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United Nation Environmental Program, 2009. Earth’s Ecosystems. [pdf] Available at:
<http://www.unep.org/pdf/ccScienceCompendium2009/cc_ScienceCompendium2009
_ch4_en.pdf > [Accessed 1 December, 2012].
Relevant Hong Kong Websites
Civic Exchange-
http://www.civic-exchange.org/
Clean the Air-
http://www.cleartheair.org.hk/
The Conservancy Association
http://www.conservancy.org.hk/
Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR - http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/
Friends of the Earth, HK-
http://www.foe.org.hk/
Globalization Monitor-
http://www.globalmon.org.hk/
Green Peace China-
http://www.greenpeace.org/china/ch/
Green Power
http://www.greenpower.org.hk/
Green Sense
http://www.greensense.org.hk/
Greeners Action
http://www.greeners-action.org/
Hong Kong Climate Change Coalition-
http://hkccc.wordpress.com/
Hong Kong Nature Net-
http://www.hknature.net/index_e.html
The Hong Kong Observatory (climate change website)http://www.hko.gov.hk/climate_change/climate_change_e.htm
Hong Kong Wildlife.Net Forum-
http://www.hkwildlife.net/index.php
Land Justice League
http://www.landjusticehk.org/
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