207-301 Global Environment and Sustainability

Modernization has led to development pressures that have increasingly disrupted natural systems leading to widespread concerns about the long-term viability of important environmental services, including those critical to food security worldwide. Case studies in topical areas of environment and food production systems are used to explore interrelationships among social, economic, and environmental factors basic to sustainable development. The case studies include: Population demographics; Genetically modified foods and food security; Biodiversity and global trade; Global warming and climate change; Water quality and quantity; and Global responsibility. The student will participate in global classroom discussions and debates with students from Sweden, Costa Rica, Honduras, South Africa and the USA. This interaction is facilitated by local classroom discussions, postings to discussion forums and live interactive videoconferences. The subject challenges the student to develop a clear understanding of sustainability from both a regional and a global context.

The assessment tasks are a collaborative project report of 3000 words and presentation (20%), a videoconference presentation (10%), a 1000-word reflection paper on each of four case studies (50%), and postings to discussion forums (20%).