Environment & Sustainability   

This subject introduces "eco-literature" as a genre, exploring basic principles of eco-theory and nature writing. Students examine such key themes as the environment and modern culture, the rural vs. urban identity and the ethics and politics of environmentalism.

Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 

No Textbook required.

 *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their Full Time certificate/diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

This subject introduces "eco-literature" as a genre, exploring basic principles of eco-theory and nature writing. Students examine such key themes as the environment and modern culture, the rural vs. urban identity and the ethics and politics of environmentalism.

Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 

No Textbook required.

 *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their Full Time certificate/diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

This subject introduces "eco-literature" as a genre, exploring basic principles of eco-theory and nature writing. Students examine such key themes as the environment and modern culture, the rural vs. urban identity and the ethics and politics of environmentalism.

Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 

No Textbook required.

 *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their Full Time certificate/diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

The development of analytical and evaluation skills is required in the management of environmental issues. Students are exposed to environmental policies, legislation procedures, and become familiar with the implications and effects of environmental management strategies. The application and development of site inspections and program auditing are explored to assist in the recognition and analysis of potential environmental risks as they would apply in the development of an environmental management system.

NOTE: This course has mandatory chats. No textbook required.

In an age of the 4000 km caesar salad and the 100 mile diet, with 800 million hungry people on Earth and over 1 billion overweight, understanding the "food system" is a hot item on the menu.  How do we, and how should we eat for the 21st Century?  How do we build the sustainable local and global food systems we want?  This course explores these questions by following food's circular journey - from the farm fields where heirloom and biotech seeds are sown; into chicken McNugget and artisanal cheese factories; out to Walmart, farmers markets, and restaurants; onto our dinner tables, forks and taste buds; and back to the beginning via composters and landfills.  It's a wild mix, including issues like biotechnology, organic farming, globalization, climate change, peak oil, water scarcity, food security, obesity, hunger, the global food price crisis.  At the centre of the course, and certificate program it provides an introduction for, are the practical opportunities and challenges of making food system changes happen on local and global political, economic and ecological levels. Textbook required. NOTE: Speakers required.

This course in intended to introduce the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. The course will discuss the environmental, economic and social impacts that affect the sustainability of our communities. The course will investigate the development of human populations and how their energy and nutritional needs have compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors will be explored that will lead to greater social equality and more sustainability in the world economy. Individual responsibility to sustainability through lifestyle changes will be examined. Textbook required. NOTE: This course has mandatory group work. *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their certificate or diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

This Course will examine some of the practices to renew or restore ecosystems and habitats that were damaged or destroyed by human intervention. Restoration projects purpose is to change disturbed areas into functioning ecosystems, able to provide ecosystem services or function as a natural habitat again. A great example is the watershed protection program of the rivers providing water to New York City. The project initiated in the early 1990's, as a result of critical issues with the city water quality. A water treatment plant would involve 6 billion USD for construction, and 300 million USD for annual maintenance after that. Restoring the wetland ecosystems able to filter the water and eliminate toxic chemicals had a cost of 1 billion USD over 10 years. The course will analyze the biological and physical aspects of restoration ecology. It also will emphasize the role played by society in a successful restoration project. Guidance for the design of a natural ecosystem restoration project will be provided. 23 different case studies are presented in the course, and will provide practical tools and techniques already tested on the field of restoration ecology projects.. Textbook Required.

This course will encourage you to explore how the interest in, and practice of, sustainable farming is growing. You will see that although the mainstream agricultural model is widely recognized as unsustainable there is a wide divergence of views on how to create a more sustainable system. You will begin by exploring the ecological, economic, and social-justice principles of sustainable framing. Following this, you will critically examine different approaches that are being touted as forms of sustainable agriculture including organic farming, food-justice certification, and the use of genetically engineered crops. You will conclude with a review of tools and strategies that non-profit organizations, governments and businesses can draw on to enhance agricultural sustainability. You will note that this is not a training course for farmers, but a course for those who want an overview of sustainable agriculture and how it is practiced across the country. You will have many opportunities to direct the course of your own learning. You are encouraged to choose readings and assignments to reflect your own interests and knowledge/skill areas you would like to develop. Prerequisites: Field to Fork: Introduction to Local and Global Food Systems. Textbook Required. 

Study the exciting urban agriculture projects and policies that are currently transforming the landscape, building community, and creating food security in Canadian cities. From community, schoolyard and roof top gardens, to urban CSA (community supported agriculture) farms and greenhouses, consider success stories and challenges for the development of urban food production. Take a close look at the relationship between municipal law and policy and urban agriculture in cities of interest to you. Textbook Required.