ENV 4113 course outline (summer 2023)

pdf

School

University of Ottawa *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

4113

Subject

Health Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by PresidentFlowerShark42

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 1 ENV 4113 – Selected Topics in Environmental Issues "Healthy planet, healthy people ” Course outline, Summer 2023 (May1 – June 9) Environmental Studies, University of Ottawa Instructor : Renate Sander-Regier rsander-regier@uottawa.ca Availability : by e-mail Class : – online, via Virtual Campus – no scheduled class hours – weekly schedule to follow as closely as possible Description We know that the natural environment provides resources to meet our basic needs for physical health: food to eat, water for drinking and washing, fibre for clothing and shelter, air to breathe, and so much more. But what about other aspects of human wellbeing? How much do we need the natural world? What about the wellbeing of the natural environment? How does human and ecosystem health interact? To what extent does human wellbeing depend on the health of nature? What are our responsibilities for the health of the planet? In this interdisciplinary course we will search for answers to these questions, and more. We will look at multiple dimensions of human wellbeing, and seek to understand what makes the natural world healthy. We will explore concepts and movements that integrate human and ecosystem health. And we will delve into our own personal wellbeing as it relates to the natural environment. Learning outcomes We will explore diverse perspectives on the health of the planet and of humanity, with a view to  deepening our understanding of human wellbeing  expanding our awareness of what makes the natural world healthy  increasing our knowledge regarding the interdependence of human and natural wellbeing  gaining insight into our own personal wellbeing as it relates to the natural environment  practicing research and communications skills. Course schedule Please see separate document.

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 2 Learning approach This interdisciplinary course will unfold in asynchronous distance learning style, through a variety of components found on Virtual Campus . This means that there will be no scheduled “lectures”, and that you can work on the course during hours that suit you, no matter where you live. There will, however, be a weekly schedule for all students to follow as closely as possible. That schedule will involve any combination of the following components: • pre-recorded mini-lectures which you can access at times which suit you • videos to watch on your own time • reflective responses to weekly content • optional online discussions • guided individual activities. These condensed courses are intense, so it is advisable to follow the weekly schedule as closely as possible for optimal learning and progress. Course materials I feel it is important to make environmental studies courses as environmentally responsible and sustainable as possible. I have always worked through Virtual Campus as much as possible to save paper, trees and money. We will do all of our work through Virtual Campus, including submission and return of assignments. I encourage you to devote your time and energy to the weekly content and reflective responses, and to the project described in the “Evaluation” section below. You will not be required to do readings as preparation for each week, but the learning resources under the Virtual Campus “ Learning r esources” tab provide more information to better understand the themes we will explore in the course. You may also wish to check out related research guides prepared by the uOttawa library:  Environmental Studies databases: https://biblio.uottawa.ca/en/databases/environmental-studies  Geography, Geomatics, and Environmental Studies: http://uottawa.libguides.com/geography-en If the university libraries are closed, or if you are unable to go to campus, you have options for contacting the librarians: https://biblio.uottawa.ca/en/research-help/ask-question . Evaluation You may find the evaluation approach in this course a little unusual. It seeks to optimize learning and reduce grade-related stress, particularly in the context of this short and intense summer session. As indicated below, you will  engage with the weekly content and submit reflective responses to it  work on one course project (see options below)  complete a final review & reflections exercise which will invite you, among other things, to give yourself an honest grade for the course based on various factors  submit a final portfolio at the end of the session.

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 3 Components – overview (see descriptions below) Due Weekly reflective responses (Weeks 1-5) end of each week Course project: 3 options (see below) a) Initial submission (this is optional if you wish to obtain feedback to improve your final version for submission) b) Final submission via portfolio below  a) Fri. June 2 (before midnight) b) see below  Final review & reflections exercise  submitted as part of the portfolio below  see below  Portfolio – contents:  Course project final product  Final review & reflection  ( optional, if you wish ) Updates to your weekly reflective responses + other evidence of your learning, activities motivated by the course Tues. June 13 (before midnight) Brief descriptions ** More details on these evaluation components will be available in guidelines provided in the “Evaluation” section on Virtual Campus Weekly reflective responses (Weeks 1-5) You will be invited to reflect on aspects of the weekly content while it is fresh in your mind, and to express your reactions to it through informal and relatively short responses. These submissions will be read with great interest, and although they will not be graded specifically, they will count toward your final grade for the course. If you wish, you will also be able to share your views with other students through optional online discussions. Course project This project offers an opportunity to explore planetary and human wellbeing, including your own personal wellness as it relates to the natural environment. These are the options available to you: 1) Green space fieldwork  the idea behind this option is to get you outside into the natural world (e.g. neighbourhood park, your backyard, other green corner ... size does not matter) where you can experience and evaluate human and natural health (including your personal wellbeing) in a real place  it is important that you be able to do this safely, in keeping with your own sense of security, and any restrictions and rules set out by authorities where you reside

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 4 2) Community Service Learning (CSL)  this is a good option if you wish to gain environmental skills and knowledge, add experience to your CV, and feel good about helping to make the world a better place  CSL is offered through the university’s experiential learning and community engagement program ( https://www2.uottawa.ca/current-students/career-experiential-learning/volunteering ) – this credited learning experience is conducted as part of a course, with students (1) participating in structured volunteer activities through a placement (working at a distance may be possible in some cases) with a community group, and then (2) reflecting on their activities and learning as it relates to course content and their field of study 3) Personal research  if the preceding options are not possible for you, this is an opportunity for you to explore areas of interest, concern or curiosity regarding planetary and human wellbeing – there are many possibilities, and you will have an opportunity to share your ideas and receive feedback from me. The project will finish with a final product which communicates the results of your work, as outlined in the guidelines for each option. If you wish, you have the option of submitting a preliminary version of your final product for feedback before you make to help your prepare your final submission.  If you have difficulty choosing between certain of the options, and you would like to propose a hybrid project, you will have an opportunity to do so. I am open to your ideas. Final review & reflections exercise This exercise will encourage you to review class content and reflect on it. It will also invite you to give yourself an honest grade for the course based on what you feel you have learned from the course, your commitment to the course, the effort you have put into the different course components, and the quality of the work you have produced. Details will be provided through Virtual Campus toward the end of the term. “ Portfolio ” You will submit a final “portfolio” of work at the end of the session. This portfolio will include  your completed final review & reflections exercise – including your suggestion for a final grade , which I will take into serious consideration  the final product of your course project  ( this is optional ) updated weekly reflective responses if you feel a need to revisit them based on learnings accumulated over the weeks of the course, as well as other evidence of your learnings and accomplishments, activities motivated by the course  You will receive your final grade for the course based on this portfolio of cumulative work and knowledge.

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 5 Writing and submission You may write and submit your assignments in English or in French . For best results, make sure that your writing is clear, concise, convincing, correct (spelling and grammar) and well structured. Your mark will be based on both content and the quality of written expression. Also make sure to use a recognized referencing style, and to use it clearly and consistently. ** Make sure to read all guidelines carefully, and to follow all instructions ** The University of Ottawa offers various guidelines, tools and services to help with the writing process, accessible via the Academic GPS site: https://uottawa.saea-tlss.ca/en/academic-gps . Submitting written work – To use less paper and to be environmentally responsible, all work will be submitted and returned through Brightspace . Make sure to submit your work in Microsoft Word or pdf format for easy access and reading. Inability to meet evaluation requirements – If you are unable to fulfill an evaluation requirement, please contact me as soon as possible so that we can make a plan. Online comportment and course-related communications The virtual classroom space is an environment that encourages learning and exchange, and a place where it is safe and enjoyable to share thoughts and ideas. I expect us to behave in a professional manner at all times, as adults who respect each other and the world around them. Please raise questions of a general nature about the course and assignments in the appropriate Brightspace discussion forum so that the answer can be shared with everyone. If you have questions or concerns regarding your own academic performance or other personal matters, please contact me via e-mail. Please make sure to put ENV 4113 in the subject line to make it easier for me to sort through communications, and to ensure that your message is read. Free services available to uOttawa students The Univers ity of Ottawa offers a wide variety of free services to students. For details, see the “Free services available to students” f older under "Welcome to ENV 4120" on Brightspace . Manage your notifications Over the course of the term, I will provide updates posted as Brightspace announcements. I recommend, if you have not already done so, to set your Brightspace notifications to receive announcements. Start by clicking on your name in the top right corner of the Brightspace screen, then click on "Notifications", and scroll down to “Instant Notifications”, where you can select announcements (among other things).

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 6 Academic integrity Academic dishonesty, and in particular plagiarism, in any form is an offence that the University of Ottawa takes very seriously. All students are responsible for adhering to the University of Ottawa’s policy on academic fraud and plagiarism. Here are some examples of academic fraud:  plagiarism or cheating of any kind  not indicating the source of a direct quote, and not putting it in quotation marks ("...")  submitting work purchased online  submitting the same piece of work for more than one course without instructor consent  submitting work that you did not carry out and complete, in whole or in part, etc. An individual who commits or attempts to commit academic fraud, or who is an accomplice, will be penalized. Possible sanctions include the following: receiving an “F” for the work or in the course in question; imposition of additional requirements (from 3 to 30 credits) to the program of study; suspension or expulsion from the Faculty. More information:  https://www.uottawa.ca/current-students/academic-integrity  https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/policies-regulations/academic-regulation-i-14-academic-fraud Requests for Academic Accommodations You may need special arrangements to meet your academic obligations during the term. If you have concerns or needs relating to religious observance , illness or pregnancy , please contact me as soon as possible so that we can make a plan. If you have other concerns or needs, please contact the university’s Academic Support Service at adapt@uOttawa.ca . For more information : https://www2.uottawa.ca/study/academic- support/accommodation-services-available . Something to bear in mind: “academic reset” If you faced a lot of challenges during your first year at university, you can apply for an academic re- set, which offers the possibility, for example, of excluding certain grades from the calculation of your grade point average. For more information:  https://www.uottawa.ca/academic-reset/  https://www.uottawa.ca/academic-reset/frequently-asked-questions .

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

ENV 4113 Selected Topics in Environmental Studies Renate Sander-Regier 7 Sexual violence: support and prevention The University of Ottawa does not tolerate any form of sexual violence. Sexual violence refers to any act of a sexual nature committed without consent, such as rape, sexual harassment or online harassment. The University, as well as student and employee associations, offers a full range of resources and services allowing members of our community to receive information and confidential assistance and providing for a procedure to report an incident or make a complaint. For more information: https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/respect/sexual-violence-support-and-prevention . Indigenous affirmation - uOttawa We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. To learn more: https://www2.uottawa.ca/about-us/indigenous/indigenous-affirmation Other useful links  for important University of Ottawa dates and deadlines: https://www2.uottawa.ca/current- students/important-academic-dates-deadlines  for university policies and regulations: https://www.uottawa.ca/administration-and- governance/policies-and-regulations .