The Urban Forest Conservation Field Camp will consist of five days examining urban forestry issues in the GTA and 5-7 additional days visiting municipalities in southern and eastern Ontario, Quebec as well as the northern USA. Topics will include urban forest inventories, nursery production, arboricultural techniques, urban woodland management, urban forest health, urban forest administration, urban dendrology and urban forestry research

The field and practice of sustainable forest management and certification are rapidly evolving. This course is designed to provide an overview of sustainable forest management policies and programs from a provincial, national and international perspective. Through the implementation of such policies and programs, various outcomes should be achieved (ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation, economic stability and community longevity). Historical perspectives, current initiatives and future opportunities are reviewed. The successes achieved by the implementation of such a program are measured through the use of criteria and indicators and certification processes. The ISO, SFI, the Canadian Standards Association, the Forest Stewardship Council and other certification processes are studied.

A directed studies and/or research course at the advanced (Ph.D.) level by arrangement between student and individual staff member.

Students may take more than one directed studies course for credit toward their degree requirements, but each course must be under the supervision of a unique graduate faculty member.

A directed studies course can only be taken if a student wishes to explore a topic that is not currently offered as a graduate course at the School of Graduate Studies.

A directed studies and/or research course at the advanced (Ph.D.) level by arrangement between student and individual staff member.

Students may take more than one directed studies course for credit toward their degree requirements, but each course must be under the supervision of a unique graduate faculty member.

A directed studies course can only be taken if a student wishes to explore a topic that is not currently offered as a graduate course at the School of Graduate Studies.

Major approaches and challenges facing effective conservation of the world’s forests are addressed through critical analysis of Canadian and international forest management and practices, including global land use conflicts within inhabited and pristine landscapes, aboriginal communities and the forest industry. Guest lectures and professionally-based assignments are used to investigate ENGO and governmental perspectives in topical areas including climate change, carbon sequestration, endangered species legislation, value-added wood product technology, and biomolecular advances.

Introduction to systematics, identification and classification of plants and animals comprising the main taxonomic groups of forest organisms: trees, fungi, bryophytes, lichens, ferns, conifers and other Gymnosperms, Angiosperms, insects, other arthropods, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals. Community ecology, diversity and function in relation to forest management planning are addressed through field trips, lectures & a team-based consultant report. The course is composed of a 8-day field camp at the beginning of term, followed by lectures and field trips covering topics in biodiversity of forested landscapes and ecosystems.

An examination of the natural processes that determine the structure and function of forest ecosystems at the tree, stand and landscape scale, and approaches to integrating ecological theory in forest management practice. Topics include silvics and functional ecology of tree species, forest succession, soils and biogeochemical cycles, stand dynamics, growth and yield modelling, silvicultural systems and forest conservation ecology. The emphasis will be on northern temperate forests with select examples from other regions. Field and laboratory exercises will provide practical experience in forest biometrics and inventory, silvicultural experimental design, stand management prescriptions and the use of forest landscape databases and models.

The focus of the course is to build theoretical foundations of economic issues related to forest ecosystems and to develop an understanding of their applications to real life situations of forest conservation. The different economic concepts related to forest ecosystems are taught in a three-step process – theory, practice, and application. First, some basic concepts of economics, such as consumer choice, firm behavior, and competitive markets are introduced. The second part of the course is organized in five units – one unit each on welfare theory, rent theory, cost-benefit analysis, forest rotation, and international trade of forest products.

The use of analytical methods and mathematical modelling in the planning for sustainable management of forests and integration of the ecological, economic and social issues related to forest management. Introduction of various decision-making techniques such as linear programming, computer simulation and geographic information systems.

The natural functioning of forest systems with emphasis on the disruption caused by stress factors in tree and forest development. Classification and identification of important stresses including pollution, forest insects, diseases and competing vegetation. The role of environmental factors that influence forest health will be considered at the level of the cell, tree and stand. Students will apply the principles and techniques of managing disturbed forests to both urban and general forest situations. An integrated approach to sustaining forest health will be taken through exposure to strategies of decision-making in appropriate laboratory and project assignments.

Forest Conservation Management and Planning: The course focuses on developing skills in integrating forest management related knowledge from natural and social sciences , and offers opportunities, through discussion of case studies, to learn applications of knowledge from natural and social sciences to the solution of real-life multi-dimensional forest management problems. Concepts related to integration science and case study analysis are introduced and many case studies, related to forest conservation, forests for industrial production, forestry NGOs, international forestry, trade of forest products, wildlife management, public participation, and Aboriginal forestry are discussed.

A guided research practical internship to take place in the summer following the first winter session to provide students with experience in applying concepts, principles and methods acquired in formal courses to the solution of practical forest management problems. Students, individually or in groups, will carry out detailed analyses of practical problems in forest conservation at a field location in Canada or abroad. The internship will include interaction with forest managers and individuals or groups involved in forest-related issues. The results of the internship will be used in the subsequent fall semester to prepare practical policy recommendations which will be incorporated in a research paper, consulting report or management plan.

This course will involve analyzing information and preparing formal reports based on the summer internship, in consultation with individual faculty supervisors. Students will deliver brief seminar presentations on their work, and there will be an oral defense of the final paper.

This course provides students with an understanding of the distribution and ecology of the worlds major forested ecosystems and a broad grasp of major conservation biology issues in each. A summary of global physical geography and ecosystem classification in the opening weeks is followed by lectures, presentations, and discussions on key conservation biology issues organized into three modules: tropical forests, subtropical forests, and temperate forests. Topics include the evolution of concepts of forest conservation, sustainable forestry and ecosystem conservation; and the effectiveness of regulatory approaches and management practices in different societies, regions, and nations.

The course focuses on social and political dimensions of human-forest interactions and theoretical approaches to study these interactions. It explores the social practices, institutions and regimes of power and knowledge in shaping human-forest relations. Taking a political ecology approach, the course examines how power, knowledge, culture and nature intersect and shape each other; and explore issues of equity and justice in different forest governance contexts. The course explores forest governance challenges in different parts of the world, including in Canada. The course will be run as a seminar, with student-led activities, research and presentations.

An intensive two-week field course based at international field stations will take place at the beginning of the summer term following the first academic session of the program. The application of theoretical principles acquired in academic core courses to practical projects in community forestry and forest conservation. The course will involve students in group research and assessment, and will include cooperation with local training and research institutes, conservation projects and non-government organizations. A number of international course locations will be used.

This couse comprises two modules:

The GIS module aims to help students develop foundational knowledge and understanding of GIS concepts, spatial data, and analysis. Students will learn to use GIS tools, manipulate spatial layers, and conduct spatial analysis. The hands-on and problem-solving GIS module will enable students to understand vector and raster spatial data types and practice using them. They will also learn how to create new spatial data from the existing spatial layers and utilize georeferenced imagery. Also, by using real-world examples and data, they will conduct simple and more advanced spatial analyses relevant to forest and landscape conservation, natural resources and forest management, and restoration.

The statistics module

The course prepares students for professional practice as urban foresters. Emphasis is placed on leadership and the management of human, financial, physical and informational resources to sustain, enhance and grow trees, forests, and greenspaces in the places we live, from rural communities to urban centres. Students will develop practical approaches to addressing interdisciplinary issues facing the urban forest and learn to apply relevant science and best management practices. Topics covered include risk management, arboricultural practices, project management, governance, public administration, public relations/education, communications, policy development and planning. The importance of professionalism and ethics will be covered. The needs and demands of public and private sector clients and employers, career pathways, and professional development will be examined.
The course will be delivered through lectures, readings, discussion, case studies, simulation exercises using a problem-based approach drawing on real world scenarios that will allow students to develop and apply core concepts and skills. This course explores concepts and skills applicable for all students, including those in related-fields of study. Diverse perspectives, approaches and experiences are welcome.

Wood has been an important building material throughout the ages and in today's world has taken on the added importance of being a renewable and sustainable material that assists with greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. This course will provide students with an understanding of wood’s unique physical properties, the variability of these properties within different species and how these properties can inform its proper use in various applications. The Canadian forestry industry sets the context for this course acknowledging that forests transcend political borders and reach around the world. Students will research an innovative use for wood that replaces carbon intensive material.

The management and care of individual trees in the places we live, work, and play, from rural communities to urban centres, is critical to protecting human life and property, and to maximizing the many social, environmental, and economic benefits that trees provide. Students will develop a professional level of knowledge and skills in arboriculture expected of tree care professionals like arborists and urban foresters, including: tree biology, tree identification and selection, soil management, installation and establishment, pruning, diagnosis and treatment, trees and construction, tree risk management, safe work practices, and urban forestry.

Emphasis will be placed on application, real-world scenarios, and problem-based learning. Professionalism, ethics, career pathways and professional development will also be covered. This course will prepare students for the ISA Certified Arborist® exam.

Urban forests, trees, and greenspaces are complex, and storied spaces are critical for a healthy social ecology as well as sustainable landscapes. This course profiles cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary learnings in social and ecological equity related to urban forest planning and management. Topics, including governance, community connection/composition, Indigenous perspectives, marginalization, power relations, social constructs, ethics and justice, education and engagement, art and activism, resiliency, and labour contentions, will be examined through an equity and justice lens.

The actions and interactions steering a healthy civil society towards more equitable urban forest practices will be delivered in lectures, readings, class discussion, and case studies. Diverse urban environments and strategic projects provide a framework of systemic inquiry, criticism, and interpretation.

Students will share strategies, experiences, and personal perspectives to help address the many dimensions of equity in urban forest conservation. The first six weeks of the course will include strategic panel discussions (with in-person and virtual guests) giving students a framework, after which students will each develop and deliver a lecture on a topic of their choice.

This seminar will focus on the relationships cultivated by French and francophone literatures with various forms of art (e.g., painting, photography, cinema, dance). The topics explored in this seminar are not limited to one particular artistic and literary work and may include different cultural contexts (e.g., France, Africa, Québec, Acadia) and historical periods (from the Middle Ages to the present), as well as different methodological approaches (including "intermedial" approaches such as image-text theories). Course may be taken more than once for credit as long as it is a separate section code/subtitle. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the departmental website.

This seminar will allow for examination of topics related to French and Francophone literatures. Topics in any given year will vary but may include a range of themes and issues emerging from French prose (fiction and non-fiction), poetry, drama, and other genres and forms. The topics explored in this seminar are not limited to one particular literary work and may include different cultural contexts (e.g., France, Africa, Québec, Acadia) and historical periods (from the Middles Age to the present), as well as different methodological approaches. Course may be taken more than once for credit as long as it is a separate section code/subtitle. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the departmental website.

This seminar will allow for examination of topics related to theoretical French linguistics. Topics in any given year will vary but may include a range of theoretical issues in phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Course may be taken more than once for credit as long as it is a separate section code/subtitle. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the departmental website.

This seminar will allow for examination of topics related to the use of corpus, experimental, and computational methodologies in French linguistics. Topics in any given year will vary but may include a range of theoretical and empirical issues relevant to phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, language processing, and language acquisition and learning. Course may be taken more than once for credit as long as it is a separate section code/subtitle. Course topics for the upcoming year will be posted on the departmental website.

This course seeks to complement the essential theoretical foundation provided by Linguistics Seminars II and III. It offers an initiation into the core concepts relevant to two of the five primary areas of study in linguistics: phonetics and phonology.

We will begin by exploring the basic principles of phonetics (articulation, acoustic analysis). Following which, we will introduce a general theoretical framework for phonology. We will then apply the principles and methodologies of these theories to crucial issues in the study of French (e.g. e caduc, liaison, and more).

The seminar will mainly comprise a series of lectures on fundamental concepts in phonology and phonetics. Additionally, it will feature discussions on specific analyses or theories. Lastly, it will include in-depth discussions of the sound system in French, enabling practical application of the theoretical concepts presented.

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.

This course seeks to complement the essential theoretical foundation offered by Linguistics Seminars I and III. It offers an initiation into the core concepts pertinent to one of the primary areas of study in linguistics: syntax.

We will begin by introducing a general theoretical framework, followed by an exploration of how the principles and constraints of the theory explain phenomena related to the structure and interpretation of sentences. The course will also feature in-depth discussions of constructions specific to French or particularly interesting concepts in syntactic theory, enabling practical application of the theoretical concepts presented.

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.

This course seeks to investigate the fundamental questions arising from the linguistic representation of predicate-argument relations in French. After a preliminary exploration of the characteristics of French sentence structure, we will address the specific challenge of identifying the minimal mechanisms necessary to account for the projection of selected and non-selected verbal arguments. The establishment of a typology of French verbs based on argument selection will serve as the foundation for our discussions. The following verb types will be analyzed: transitive, unergative, ditransitive, and unaccusative. Non-selected arguments play a central role in recent developments in theoretical linguistics. We will focus primarily on applied dative arguments in French, which will guide our exploration of the case and pronominal systems of French.

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.

This course focuses on the phenomenon of bilingual acquisition in children. Topics to be discussed include: simultaneous or sequential learning of the two languages, interference between the two grammars of a bilingual child, the input to which bilingual children are exposed, as well as proficiency levels and attrition of one of the languages. Recent theoretical frameworks will be explored, with an emphasis on the acquisition of French in a bilingual context. We will consider the methodologies used in bilingual acquisition research, such as language questionnaires, evaluations of linguistic competence, and data collection (experimental or observation of spontaneous speech). This course includes a practical component: students will analyze data from existing databases or experiments that they will develop and conduct themselves.

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.

This course seeks to complement the foundational training offered in Linguistics Seminars I and II. It introduces the key concepts and methodologies specific to experimental linguistics. We will begin by investigating the principles of the scientific method (formulation of a research problem; identification of methods and data collection techniques; data collection, analysis, and interpretation). We will then delve into the specifics of applying this method to problems in linguistics, drawing on examples from a range of subdisciplines. The seminar will mainly comprise a series of lectures, each followed by a tutorial-like workshop. The lectures will focus on the principles of methodology demonstrated through empirical studies, while the workshops will have a more hands-on approach (e.g., analysis of corpus data, development of experimental methodologies, statistical analysis).

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.