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ENV1197H - Research in Environment and Sustainability Part 1

This is a mandatory course for students in the Master of Environment and Sustainability program that will provide an opportunity for students to explore and develop a thesis topic under the guidance of their supervisor(s). The course will bring students together as part of a larger seminar series on transdisciplinary research methods in environment and sustainability. As part of this, students will be introduced to primary concepts relating to environmental sustainability and the conceptual and methodological tools needed to conduct interdisciplinary research. Students will be expected to develop a research proposal under the guidance of their Master’s thesis supervisor(s), that will include a description of their identified research topic, a literature review and a proposed research methodology.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1198H - Research in Environment and Sustainability Part 2

This is a mandatory course that builds upon what was learned in ENV1197H in support of students refining and finalizing their intended research topics. This will include developing a research plan for data collection, fieldwork, or equivalent, based on the research proposal submitted in the preceding term. Seminars every two weeks will bring the students together for invited talks from faculty members, who will present examples of recent interdisciplinary-based research projects, including methodological approaches taken and their associated advantages and disadvantages.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Prerequisites: ENV1197H
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1199Y - MES Thesis

This is a required course that MES students will take in the Summer term, working individually with their supervisor. It follows on the development of the research proposal and completion of ENV1197H in the Fall term and the completion of ENV1198H in the Winter term. During the Summer, students will complete their research and write up their thesis by the end of August. The thesis should be no longer than 15,000 words. At the end of the program, students will present their thesis research to faculty and other students at the annual MES Research Showcase.

Credit Value (FCE): 1.00
Grading: Credit/No Credit
Prerequisites: ENV1197H and ENV1198H
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1201H - Environmental Justice in an Age of Crisis

This course investigates multiple dimensions of environmental justice in reference to a variety of case studies. It examines the justice implications of toxic legacies, and future directions in research and action at a time of many, overlapping environmental crises. Students will analyze how multiple vulnerabilities including racialization, class and gender, intersect with issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and energy poverty.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1202H - Media, Democracy, and Climate Justice

The rise of anti-democratic politics and a worsening climate crisis demand critical and interdisciplinary attention across the social sciences and humanities. Through a humanistic social science lens, this course examines today's dual-pronged democratic and climate crisis through the study of theories of democracy, social change, media, and climate justice. In this course, students will engage with a range of classic and contemporary texts from political theory, media studies, the environmental humanities, decolonial studies, and postcolonial theory, among other fields, to understand how today's present conditions of crisis came to be and what can be done about it. Topics to be discussed include: theories of news, media, and democracy; radical democracy and the green energy transition; petro-nationalism and the settler nation-state; digital capitalism, neoliberalism, and authoritarianism today; climate justice and activist media; the pluriverse and decolonization; internationalism and concepts of solidarity across borders.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1444H - Capitalist Nature

This course is organized around the idea of "capitalist nature."1 Specifically, the course is concerned most centrally with six questions: 1) What are the unique political, ecological, and geographical dynamics of environmental change propelled by capital accumulation and the dynamics of specifically capitalist forms of "commodification"? 2) How and why is nature commodified (however partially) in a capitalist political economy, and what are the associated problems and contradictions? 3) How do the contemporary dynamics of environmental change, environmental politics, and environmental justice shape and help us understand transformations in markets, commodity production regimes, and capitalist social relations and institutions more broadly? 4) How can we understand the main currents of policy and regulatory responses to these dynamics? 5) How do prevailing ideas about nature (non-human as well as human) reflect, reinforce, and subvert capital accumulation? 6) Is there or can there be any such thing as "green capitalism"? 1 O'Connor, M. (1993). On the misadventures of capitalist nature. Capitalism, Nature, Socialism, 4(3), 7-40.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1501H - Climate and Environmental Justice in Africa

This course critically explores climate and environmental justice in the African context through an examination of the concept of justice, impacts of climate change such as extreme droughts, floods, and forced migration, and the attendant adaptation and mitigation strategies, climate change policies, and environmental challenges.

The African continent is projected to experience some of the worst impacts of climate change, and yet Africa is central to addressing the planetary crisis of our time. The course will therefore engage African philosophies, knowledges, and experiences of climate change and environmental injustices to critically reflect on the significance of geographies of knowledge in addressing global challenges. The course will engage key African scholarship incorporating Africana theories, case studies, ethnographies, songs, and films that will locate African challenges and agency in the efforts to address climate and environmental injustices.

At the end of the course, students will have gained in-depth understanding of the complex nature of addressing global challenges and the significance of African perspectives and geographies of knowledge in these efforts, having engaged critically with epochal concepts such as the Anthropocene, Capitalocene, and Plantationocene. Students will be well equipped to design robust theoretical frameworks for studying climate and environmental justice in Africa and beyond.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1701H - Environmental Law

Law, policy, and ethics are key in understanding how we respect, manage, and utilize our environment. This course will introduce students to basic principles of environmental law. What is it? How did it evolve? Does it deal fairly with resource preservation, use, and allocation? Can it deal with complex emerging problems such as climate change, species at risk, accumulation of toxics, urban sprawl and so on?

We will review the state of the environmental law, with an emphasis on topical issues in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada. Throughout the course, students will be asked to consider the ethical foundations for environmental laws, and their capability of addressing today’s challenges. We will also consider how to present information in a legal setting. Students will be required to research and prepare a presentation (online) on a current issue in environmental law. This work will be done individually, and as a group, using the tools available on Quercus.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1703H - Water, Climate, and Society

Advanced knowledge of the Earth's hydrological cycle, and the role of water in the climate system and society. Basic elements of the course include mechanisms of the five water reservoirs in the climate system, linkages between water and heat energy flow in the hydrological cycle, time and place variation of natural hydrologic fluxes, the biosphere and water development for human use, integrated water resource management, and water reuse and recycling.

The course will include analysis of ongoing water development problems to identify common characteristics that will be applied to develop management strategies for sustainable water resources in a changing global climate.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1704H - Environmental Analysis and Risk Management

This course introduces the principles of environmental toxicology and risk assessment. Study of the basic principles of toxicology, including routes of exposure, dose response, and target organ effects from exposure to environmental toxicants will be covered. The course presents the quantitative methods used to assess the human health risks associated with exposure to toxicants, focusing on the four major components of risk assessment: 1) hazard identification; 2) dose-response assessment; 3) exposure assessment; 4) risk characterization.

Risk communication and public consultation will also be addressed. The course will include an overview of Canadian regulations and policies and their impact on the practical realties facing practitioners, policy makers, and stakeholders. We will explore risk assessment issues related to exposure to contaminated sites, air quality, and projects undergoing Environmental Assessment.

The intent is to make this course hands on and practical so that you are able to participate as a team member conducting human health and ecological risk assessment upon its completion. The course will be based on actual undertakings of Canadian risk assessment projects.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV1707H - Climate Finance

Climate Finance involves the application of new and established financial market instruments and practices to the management of climate change-related risks and investment opportunities, and the incorporation of such factors into stock valuation and selection processes, as well as shareholder engagement strategies. Asset owners and managers, banks, insurance companies, venture capitalists, corporations, and government agencies are becoming increasingly engaged in the financing of climate change mitigation and resilience in order to manage risks and capitalize on new opportunities. This course explores the research, projected outcomes and recommendations from the IPCC, multi-stakeholder initiatives and finance collaborations, and assesses signals of future actions to address them. An in-depth knowledge of financial markets is not required.

Students leaving the course will be able to apply their new knowledge to a variety of career paths. The following professions and/or fields will benefit from a knowledge of climate finance and environmental markets: Financial analyst, portfolio manager, financial product development; Investment and management consultant; Sustainability specialists (especially for firms in high-impact sectors such as oil and gas, forestry, chemicals, metals and mining, and utilities); Commodities trader; Venture capitalist, private equity, or real estate investor; Credit and insurance risk analysts; Investor relations, public relations, communications; Not-for-profit managers and executives.

The objective of the course is to provide students with a firm grounding in the range of issues at stake in climate change and the application of finance to address it. The course will examine how established practices, procedures, and tools from within the mainstream financial and corporate markets are being adapted to integrate a climate lens in the pursuit of financial performance goals from both an investor and corporate perspective.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV2000H - Topics in Environment

A course delivered by a graduate faculty member for an individual student, on a topic related to the student's graduate program. Such a course is equivalent in terms of reading, organized academic activities, and written assignments to a regular graduate course. Approval to enroll in this course is given by the graduate unit in which the student is registered and approval from the unit offering the course also is required.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV2000Y - Topics in Environment

A course delivered by a graduate faculty member for an individual student, on a topic related to the student's graduate program. Such a course is equivalent in terms of reading, organized academic activities, and written assignments to a regular graduate course. Approval to enrol in this course is given by the graduate unit in which the student is registered and approval from the unit offering the course also is required.

Credit Value (FCE): 1.00
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV2002H - Special Topics in Environment

A Special Topics course varies from a regular course in that the environment content may vary from offering to offering.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV3000H - Topics in Environment and Health

A course delivered by a graduate faculty member for an individual student, on a topic related to the student's graduate program. Such a course is equivalent in terms of reading, organized academic activities, and written assignments to a regular graduate course. Approval to enrol in this course is given by the graduate unit in which the student is registered and approval from the unit offering the course also is required.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV3000Y - Topics in Environment and Health

A course delivered by a graduate faculty member for an individual student, on a topic related to the student's graduate program. Such a course is equivalent in terms of reading, organized academic activities, and written assignments to a regular graduate course. Approval to enrol in this course is given by the graduate unit in which the student is registered and approval from the unit offering the course also is required.

Credit Value (FCE): 1.00
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV4001H - Graduate Seminar: Environment and Health

There is a pressing need to study the complex relationships between the environment and human health, especially as we are increasingly challenged by environmental health issues. This course introduces students to various issues related to environment and health in providing an academic environment of inquiry and dialogue where graduate students from various disciplines can exchange ideas, information and insights.

Through participation in the affiliated public environment and health seminar series and student-led seminars, the aim is to expose the students to the many ways that issues related to the environment and health are framed, examined, discussed, and addressed.

The course will stimulate students to reflect on this diverse discussion and to integrate their work into a broader context and perspective. Students will have the opportunity to explore linkages between environmental factors and health issues as these intersect with environmental and health policy, toxicological impacts, psychosocial factors, economic factors, and ethical and legal issues.

Objectives: Upon course completion, students will: have an understanding of the complex, interdisciplinary nature of environment and health issues; have an understanding of the importance of cross-disciplinary dialogue to fully comprehend how human health and the environment are interconnected and to develop effective interventions; have acquired the skills necessary to research and critically assess scholarly information on topics related to environment and health and to communicate them in a manner that fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and engagement.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV4002H - The Environment and Health of Vulnerable Populations

The course will introduce students to a wide range of topics and issues as they relate to the environment and health of vulnerable populations. Through readings, course work and discussion, students will explore the concept of vulnerability and the range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to disproportionate exposures and health impacts among "at risk" populations. Case studies and topics will be examined to exemplify how and why certain populations may be especially vulnerable to various environmental hazards. Topics for examination will be chosen to demonstrate the wide range of potential human health effects due to chemical and other exposures. Issues related to equity and justice will be critically examined.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV4444H - Internship

Graduate students enrolled in course-based programs in their home unit degree are required to do an internship as part of the Environmental Studies Collaborative Specialization. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with professional work experience involving environmental issues related to their program of study and research. The internship is designed to offer master's degree students from various academic backgrounds an opportunity to expand their interdisciplinary experience at the practical level and turn their theoretical knowledge into practical skills. The experience may be either paid or on a voluntary basis and off-campus internships are strongly recommended for students to gain practical experience. Master's students who are pursuing a course-work stream degree program and do not have an internship requirement built in their home unit degree program shall use the School's designated course code (ENV4444H,Y) when registering on ACORN for the internship.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV4444Y - Internship

Graduate students enrolled in course-based programs in their home unit degree are required to do an internship as part of the Environmental Studies Collaborative Specialization. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with professional work experience involving environmental issues related to their program of study and research. The internship is designed to offer master's degree students from various academic backgrounds an opportunity to expand their interdisciplinary experience at the practical level and turn their theoretical knowledge into practical skills. The experience may be either paid or on a voluntary basis and off-campus internships are strongly recommended for students to gain practical experience. Master's students who are pursuing a coursework-stream degree program and do not have an internship requirement built in their home unit degree program shall use the School's designated course code (ENV4444H,Y) when registering on ACORN for the internship.

Credit Value (FCE): 1.00
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ENV5555Y - Research Paper

For students who are required to write a research paper as part of their Collaborative Specialization requirements. The paper must be on an environment related topic and supervised by a faculty member from the home department, preferably a member of the graduate faculty of School of the Environment. If your home department does not have an established research paper designated code, you would enrol in the School's designated course ENV5555Y Research Paper.

Credit Value (FCE): 1.00
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1151H - European Studies

Thematic course dedicated to important issues in European Studies. Topics vary annually.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1152H - Topics in European Studies

A topics course covering important issues in European Studies. Topics vary annually. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the Centre's website.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1158H - Topics in European and Eurasian Studies

A topics course covering important issues in European and Eurasian Studies. Topics vary annually. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the Centre's website.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1159H - Topics in European and Eurasian Studies

A topics course covering important issues in European and Eurasian Studies. Topics vary annually. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the Centre's website.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1161H - Topics in European and Eurasian Studies

Various descriptions related to important issues in European and Eurasian Affairs. Topics will change from year to year depending on the instructor and course emphasis. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the Centre's website.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1162H - Topics in the Caucasus

The Caucasus is a fascinating region that is relatively little known in the West, despite its rich history and current geopolitical sensitivity. The course will examine selected topics in the history and contemporary politics of the Caucasus region. The topics we will cover break down approximately as follows: pre-Russian, imperial, and Soviet history; post-Soviet state formation, ethnic conflict, and interstate wars; and domestic politics, development, and social change. The goal is to give students a basic introduction to the contemporary Caucasus that will enable them to embark on further advanced study, research, or work in the region. The class will be taught in seminar format and students will be expected to play an active role in presenting and discussing each week’s reading assignment. While there are no formal prerequisites, some prior training in Soviet history and post-Soviet politics will be helpful.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1165H - International Internship

As a CEES MA student, you'll undertake a 10- to 12-week internship between first and second year in the program located in Europe or Eurasia. The internship is a core part of the CEES program. At the Munk School, you will have an opportunity to gain professional experience in top-tier research institutes, international, and civil society organizations, think-tanks, etc. The summer internship program is a 10- to 12-week placement that gives you an opportunity to apply and develop your interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Grading: Credit/No Credit
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1170H - Conflicts and Para-States in the European Union's Backyard

This course is on bilateral conflicts and para-states in the European Union (EU)'s backyard. A plethora of big and small regional disputes hamper the Europeanization project. The first half of the course examines bilateral and domestic challenges in the potential EU member states of the so-called Western Balkans. The second half studies a number of unresolved issues in Europe that are largely shaped by real and perceived shortcomings in minority rights. After a section on Roma Rights in Central Europe, our focus turns to the origins and outcomes of largely separatist wars in Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine and the peace agreements that followed.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class

ERE1175H - One Hundred Years of Cultures of Refugees in Europe, 1920-2020

The twentieth century has sometimes been referred to as a "century of Refugees." Today, there are over seventy million refugees in the world. As a result of World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, World War II, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc, the Syrian civil war, the Russian War on Ukraine, and many other turbulences of the past hundred years, refugees become an important part of European culture. This course will examine works of literature, music, theatrical plays, and journalistic writing produced by European refugees. The goal of the course is to discuss how refugees made sense of their experience during the past hundred years.

Credit Value (FCE): 0.50
Campus(es): St. George
Delivery Mode: In Class