GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an introductory, 100-level course, which provides an introduction to environmental studies. It is designed to equip students with 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.

1.To introduce students to the core principles of environmental studies.
2.To foster an understanding of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
3.To develop critical thinking skills in evaluating pressing environmental issues such as water scarcity, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss from multiple perspectives.
4.To apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios, exploring practical solutions for encountered environmental challenges.

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

英語 / English

The course will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures and active student participation in class debates/discussions. Responses to student assignments, quizzes, essays, and mid-term exams, will be provided during classroom sessions or via the Hosei Learning Management System.

あり / Yes

なし / No

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]：Course Introduction

•Course guidance
•Course overview and objectives
•Importance of environmental studies

2[対面/face to face]：Ecosystems

•Introduction to environmental studies
•Understanding ecosystems, biodiversity, and their significance
•Human impact on ecosystems
•Ecological succession and stability
•Ecosystem services and their value

3[対面/face to face]：Human Population Growth

•Introduction to Population Dynamics
•Factors Influencing Population Growth
•Population Growth and Resource Use
•Population Policies and Ethics
•Complete Quiz 1

4[対面/face to face]：Environmental Problems: Pollution and Resource Depletion

•Understanding various types of pollution and their effects
•Depletion of natural resources and its consequences
•Remediation strategies for polluted environments
•Case Study: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest: Consequences and Conservation Efforts
•Complete Quiz 2

5[対面/face to face]：Water Resources and Management

•Management of water resources and issues related to water scarcity
•Strategies for sustainable water management
•Water conservation and policy implications
•Complete Quiz 3

6[対面/face to face]：Waste Management and Recycling

•Strategies for waste management and recycling
•Environmental impacts of waste
•Innovative approaches to recycling and waste reduction
•Complete Quiz 3
•Submit essay 1

7[対面/face to face]：Environmental Sustainability

•Principles of Sustainable Development
•Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
•Environmental Challenges and Solutions
•Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability
•Complete Quiz 4

8[対面/face to face]：Midterm Exam

•Review the previous classes
•Midterm exam

9[対面/face to face]：Biodiversity Conservation and Land Use

•Conservation strategies for biodiversity and ecosystems
•Land use patterns, impacts, and conservation planning
•Sustainable agriculture and land management
•Complete Quiz 5

10[対面/face to face]：Climate Change Science and Mitigation Strategies

•Science of climate change, its causes, and impacts
•Mitigation strategies and their effectiveness
•Adaptation measures to combat climate change
•Complete Quiz 6

11[対面/face to face]：Energy Sources and Environmental Policy

•Overview of energy sources and consumption patterns
•Renewable energy alternatives and their environmental impacts
•Policy approaches and regulations for energy conservation
•Complete Quiz 7

12[対面/face to face]：Environmental Governance and Public Participation

•Governance structures and their role in environmental management
•International environmental governance and agreements
•Importance of public participation in environmental decision-making
•Case Study: Public Engagement in Renewable Energy Projects: Lessons from Germany's Energiewende
•Complete Quiz 8

•Submit essay 2

13[対面/face to face]：Environmental Education and Communication

•Historical perspectives in environmental studies
•Effective communication strategies for environmental issues
•Outreach programs and their impact on environmental change
•Role of education in fostering environmental awareness
•Case Study: Environmental Education in Bhutan: Integrating Sustainability into Curriculum

•Review Session for the Final Exam

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

End of semester examination & course review

Students are anticipated to dedicate time to reading and/or conducting research assignments as preparation for lectures, as well as reviewing materials post-class. Additionally, they are encouraged to utilize this time outside of class for researching and composing essays. The expected time allocation for these preparatory and review activities for this course is approximately 2 hours each. Students are expected to complete all the assignments and quizzes on time.

This course does not require a specific textbook. Handouts and other relevant materials will be distributed in class.

Tietenberg, T., & Lewis, L. (2024). Environmental and natural resource economics. Routledge.

Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S. E. (2021). Living in the Environment. Cengage Learning.

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

McKinney, M. L., & Schoch, R. M. (2019). Environmental science: systems and solutions. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

The primary assessment methods will be quizzes, midterms, and final exams.

Quizzes: 30%
Essays (2): 10%
Midterm Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 40%

Quizzes will be completed on Hosei University LMS.
Midterm and final exams will be a paper test.
Students are required to meet satisfactory grades for each element to
receive a grade.

None

None.