GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an introductory course in environmental studies: the course introduces students to the basic knowledge of environmental science and environmental policy. Students will learn basic principles around natural scientific mechanism of specific environmental problems, such as water, waste, energy, climate change, and biodiversity, that are considered as most pressing of our time. The lectures will also emphasize the socio-economic mechanism that are often at the root of the environmental problems. Through the case studies, the course also aims to introduce students to the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development on these issues. Mini tours on environmental facilities on/off campus will be arranged to help students connect the theories with the reality, if the situation allows.

Students will be able to
- explain basic scientific mechanisms of major environmental problems;
- explain the root mechanism why such environmental problems occurs; and
- gain perspectives needed to critically think about and seek solutions for these problems and bring sustainable society.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

The course will be conducted in mixture of lecture-based learning and more active involvement of students in class discussions etc. Mini discussions, mainly based on the assignments, are conducted in lectures throughout the course. Feedback on students' work (on assignments and reflections, etc.) is given in class and/or through the Hosei Learning Management System. Field work and/or a tour of environmental facilities is planned, although this many be changed depending on the situation around Covid-19. Please note that the teaching approach may vary according to the university/GIS policy.

あり / Yes

あり / Yes

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction and Guidance

Setting the context: what is environment, environmental problems, and environmental/sustainability studies?

2[対面/face to face]：Human activity and environmental problems

Origin of Environmental pollution in Japan

3[対面/face to face]：General mechanism of environmental problems

From environmental economics perspectives

4[対面/face to face]：Rise of environmental policies

Environmental policies (in Japan and abroad)

5[対面/face to face]：Water issues

Basic scientific mechanism, the current status, and typical countermeasures on the topic are covered

6[対面/face to face]：Land and biodiversity

Basic scientific mechanism, the current status, and typical countermeasures on the topic are covered

7[対面/face to face]：Waste management

Basic scientific mechanism, the current status, and typical countermeasures on the topic are covered

8[対面/face to face]：Air Pollution

Basic scientific mechanism, the current status, and typical countermeasures on the topic are covered

9[対面/face to face]：Climate change/Energy

Basic scientific mechanism, the current status, and typical countermeasures on the topic are covered

10[対面/face to face]：Environmental Management

Environmental management systems and CSR activities by business community

11[対面/face to face]：Linking knowledge and practices

Tour of environmental facilities

12[対面/face to face]：Environmental assessment

Environmental impact assessment, life cycle assessment, and environmental valuation

13[対面/face to face]：A road to sustainable development?

Balance between economic, social and environmental issues

14[対面/face to face]：Final exam & wrap-up

End of semester examination & course review

Students are expected to work on reading and/or research assignments in preparation for the lectures and to review class materials after each class. The standard time required for preparatory study and review for this class are 2 hours each.

There is no set textbook for this course. Handouts and other relevant materials will be distributed by the instructor.

Robertson, Margaret (2021). Sustainability Principles and Practice (3rd edition). Oxon and New York: Routledge.

Cunningham, William, and Cunningham, Mary Ann (2018). Environmental science: a global concern (14th ed.), McGraw-Hill Education

Evaluation will be based on
1. Participation and attitude (35%)
2. Evaluation of assignments/quizzes (25%)
3. Final Exam (40%).
Students are required to meet satisfactory grade for each element to receive a grade.

・The method of discussion will be changed from groupwork to more frequent group discussions based on student comments from class questionnaire.
・The language used during the tour of environmental facilities will likely be Japanese. Alternative contents will be give for those who chose not to participate in the tour due to language barriers and/or holding permission to fully take online lectures for Covid-19 reasons. Details will be explained in the class.

None.