316-325 Ecological Economics

316-208 Economics of the Environment or 316-324 Environmental Economics and at least one environmental studies subject from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.

This subject gives an understanding of the relationships between ecosystems and economic systems and why they are central to many of humanity's current problems and to building a sustainable future. Ecological economics is a new transdisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the ecology and economics of our world for sustainability, on local, regional and global scales. This subject will focus on the basic world view of ecological economics; accounting, modelling and analysis of ecological economic systems; and necessary institutional changes to achieve sustainability. Use will be made of the tools for conventional economics and ecology as appropriate, and new approaches will be introduced where needed. It should be noted that no prior knowledge of ecology is assumed.

• High level of development: oral communication; written communication; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

• Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (45%), an essay of approximately 4000 words (45%) and seminar presentation and participation (10%).