Environmental Studies (ENVS) 361

Overview

This is a senior level undergraduate course in Environmental Studies that is designed to acquaint students with ecological theory and how that knowledge has been applied to environmental issues. ENVS 361 is an interdisciplinary course that deals with ecological science, the social studies of science, and environmental studies. This course will be of interest for those who wish to learn more about how ecological theory treats contemporary environmental problems such as species extinction, deforestation, and global climate change. It will also appeal to those who seek to understand the interaction between science and society. That is, while ecology explores many environmental problems, it is not the only (or even most significant) factor in shaping our response to these problems.

Outline

ENVS 361 is divided into nine units.

Unit 1: Introduction

Unit 2: Intellectual Toolkit

Unit 3: History of Ecological Models, Part I

Unit 4: History of Ecological Models, Part II

Unit 5: History of Ecological Models, Part III

Unit 6: History of Ecological Models, Part IV

Unit 7: Politics, Ethics, and Social Production of Nature

Unit 8: Case Studies of Environmental Problems, Part I

Unit 9: Case Studies of Environmental Problems, Part II

Evaluation

To receive credit for ENVS 361, you must write the midterm examination and receive 50 percent and achieve a course composite grade of at least a “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assign. 1	Midterm Exam	Assign. 2	Assign. 3	Total
10%	25%	25%	40%	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Other Materials

The course materials also include a study guide, and a reading file. All other materials are available online.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the ENVS 361 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on the exam, and an overall grade of at least “D” (50 percent).

Assignment	Exam	Total
65%	35%	100%

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form