Environmental Challenges and Issues

Teacher(s)

Frison Christine;

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Understand today's major environmental issues and challenges; Understand the origin, concept and general principles of sustainable development; Be familiar with the main international legal instruments implementing the principles of sustainable development; Mobilize scientifically validated arguments to respond to societal issues and argue critically; Develop an independent oral (e.g. class discussion in sub-groups) and/or written (e.g. writing exercise on Moodle) reflection on current major environmental and sustainable development issues.

Content

The course is divided into two parts. The first part consists of the interdisciplinary MOOC on the challenges of sustainable development and transition (LBIR2050A). The MOOC comprises six modules:

• Module 1 - Understanding the roots of sustainable development
• Module 2 - Advancing human well-being
• Module 3 - Rethinking agricultural, food and health systems
• Module 4 - Developing fair and sustainable economies
• Module 5 - Limiting pollution, carbon and waste
• Module 6 - Protecting the environmental commons

The second part consists of face-to-face sessions in auditoriums every two weeks, alternating with each MOOC module (example: week 1: Introductory lecture in auditorium; week 2: Module 1 online / week 3: face-to-face lecture on the theme of Module 1; week 4: Module 2 online / week 5: face-to-face lecture on the theme of Module 2; etc.) . The aim of the face-to-face sessions is to deepen the interdisciplinary subject matter seen online via the MOOC. A detailed schedule will be posted on the course Moodle. This schedule is subject to change during the term.
The course will cover the major international conventions on sustainable development (e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Climate Change, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, etc.), certain major policies or implementation instruments (e.g. pollution control, the "donut" economic policy) and certain sustainable governance mechanisms (e.g. the environmental commons).
In addition, a number of leading experts on the topics covered may be invited to take part in the course, to provide a concrete, pragmatic view of the environmental issues studied.

Teaching methods

CAVEAT: the teaching method may be adapted according to the number of students enrolled. As this is a new course and the number of students enrolled will only be known in October, it is not possible to predict this precisely before this description is put on line.
The course is based on an active teaching method with a strong interactive dimension.  
Students are encouraged to participate in two ways:

1. Via class discussions based on the compulsory readings and on-line exercises linked to these readings. Documents to be read and commented on will be posted on the BDURA1000 course Moodle every two weeks.
2. Via the MOOC discussion channel regarding the material studied in the MOOC.

Active and regular student participation is essential! Students are expected to attend every face-to-face session (every other week) and to arrive on time. If you have to miss a session, please let me know in advance and give reasons.

Evaluation methods

This course is assessed in two parts. The MOOC part is assessed for 3 ECTS credits via a MCQ by the MOOC team (LBIR2050A).
The face-to-face part (BDURA1000) is based on continuous, formative assessment throughout the four-month term for 2 ECTS credits via various short online exercises on Moodle.
The final course grade will be the average of the two grades (final MCQ for 3/5ths + exercises during the term for 2/5ths).

Other information

Every student has the potential to do well in this course and to master the ideas that will be explored during the term. Some clues to success:

1. Read the texts.
2. Come to class.
3. Be prepared to participate in class discussions.
4. Take notes on everything you read, including required reading.
5. Read critically and think comparatively: write down questions you'd like to raise in class, and think critically about the author's sources and arguments. Are his or her arguments convincing or not? Why or why not?
6. Deepen your interests through further reading. Pay close attention to footnotes and bibliographies. They'll help you learn more and open up new horizons.
7. Engage in discussions with your fellow students outside the classroom.

Faculty or entity

ESPB