METHODOLOGICAL AND CONCEPTUAL BASIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The course examines methodological and conceptual issues arising from Environmental Studies position as an inter-, multi- and/or trans-disciplinary practice. It will focus on the inherent difficulties in overcoming disciplinary fragmentation in approaches to studying complex issues in environmental sustainability that require integrated understandings of the inter-relations between social and natural systems. The course will promote methodological literacy beyond student's own area of expertise, develop critical and reflexive thinking about how environmental studies might approach issues of sustainability, and encourage and facilitate communication across disciplinary paradigms. The course precedes and compliments ENSC 802, familiarizing students with the historical origins, philosophical underpinnings and practical deployment of key approaches within the social and natural sciences and humanities. Three term-hours; Fall. P. Hodson, M. Smith

Permission of Instructor Required

Registration by Academic Change Form

Offered Fall 2011 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Fridays Rm 104 KINES

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS: ISSUES IN SUSTAINABILITY

This course focuses on real-world environmental problems analyzing their social, ethical, and biogeochemical origins, economic ramifications, and institutional frameworks for their mitigation and resolution in the context of environmental sustainability. This course would logically follow or run concurrently with ENSC 801*, and will deepen and continue the themes through consideration of the intellectual history of theories and concepts relevant to environmental studies, with a focus on the concepts of "sustainability" and "sustainable development". Three term-hours; Winter. S. Brown, A. Goebel

Permission of Instructor Required

Registration by Academic Change Form

Offered Winter 2012 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Wednesday Rm 2109 Biosciences

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS

The course will compare and contrast the behaviour of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic compounds, such as methyl mercury and chlorinated aromatic compounds, with the behaviour of less persistent chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons and modern pesticides. Subjects of interest may include sediment diagenesis, long-range transport, methylation processes, and interactions between biomagnification and ecosystem structure and productivity. Three term hours; Last offered Winter 2009; Not offered 2011-12.

DIRECTED STUDIES

This course provides an opportunity for students to independently study a selected topic under the supervision of one of more faculty members. For detailed information, consult course coordinator. Three term-hours; Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer. Course coordinator: L. Winn.

Permission of Coordinator Required

Registration by Academic Change Form

Offered Fall, Winter, Spring 2011-12

SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

This half-credit course spans four semesters and requires students to attend a minimum of 30 seminars, chosen from among those offered by the School of Environmental Studies (at least 18) and other units in any faculty at Queen's.  Within the School's annual seminar series, they must also recruit and host one seminar speaker and present one seminar on their own project.
Total contact hours: 30 h, up to 4-5 semesters
Prerequisites: Admission to MES program

Note: Not Offered 2011-12

MASTER'S PROJECT (Course-based)

MASTER'S THESIS PROJECT