GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

Students in this course will do a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between human societies and the environment. They will examine the interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors in shaping environmental changes. The ultimate goal of this course is for the students to understand these interactions and help in building environmentally sustainable societies. Through this understanding, students will be equipped to contribute to the development of practices and policies that promote environmental health and sustainability, addressing the urgent need for societies that can coexist harmoniously with the natural world.

1.To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the dynamic interrelationship between society and the environment.
2.To enable students to critically analyze the impact of culture, politics, and economics on environmental issues.
3.To encourage students to develop sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
4.To combine varied perspectives, including ethics and global considerations, for comprehensive sustainable development.

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 discussions. There will be group presentations based on the design of future societies. Responses to student assignments, quizzes, 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 guidance

•Course guidance
•Course introduction

2[対面/face to face]：Introduction to Environmental Sociology

•Overview of environmental sociology
•Society-environment interactions
•Environmental challenges in contemporary society

3[対面/face to face]：Biodiversity and Endangered Species Conservation

•Significance of biodiversity in sustaining life and ecosystem services
•Threats to biodiversity and endangered species
•Conservation strategies for endangered species and biodiversity
•Complete Quiz 1

4[対面/face to face]：Valuing Nature and Ecosystem Services

•Approaches to valuing natural capital and ecosystem services
•Sustainable development paradigms
•Economic valuation methods and controversies
•Complete Quiz 2

5[対面/face to face]：Socio-Economic Policies and Environmental Impact

•Role of socio-economic policies in environmental impact
•Case studies on policy-environment interactions
•Economic growth vs. environmental sustainability
•Complete Quiz 3

6[対面/face to face]：Interdisciplinary Approaches for Sustainability

•Integration of societal, economic, and environmental aspects
•Building a sustainable society
•Technological innovations for sustainability
•Complete Quiz 4

7[対面/face to face]：Globalization and Environmental Change

•Global perspectives on environmental change
•Effects of globalization on the environment
•International environmental policies and agreements
•Complete Quiz 5

8[対面/face to face]：Midterm Exam

•Review the previous classes
•Midterm exam

9[対面/face to face]：Future Societies and Sustainable Practices

•Future societal trends and sustainability
•Innovative sustainable practices
•Role of education and awareness in sustainability
•Case studies on successful community-based sustainability initiatives

10[対面/face to face]：Urbanization and Environmental Challenges

•Urbanization and associated environmental challenges
•Urban sustainability initiatives
•Urban planning for environmental conservation
•Group discussions I: Future Societies
•Complete Quiz 6

11[対面/face to face]：Environmental Movements and Political Ecology

•History and impact of environmental movements
•Political dimensions of environmental issues
•Environmental justice movements and their impact
•Community-based approaches to environmental justice
•Group discussions II: Future Societies
•Complete Quiz 7

12[対面/face to face]：Global Perspectives on Environment-Society Relationships

•Global challenges and solutions for sustainable development
•The role of multilateral organizations in environmental governance
•Ethical considerations in international environmental agreements
•Group discussions II: Future Societies

13[対面/face to face]：Group Presentations

•Future Societies
•Review Session for the Final Exam

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam & Wrap-up of the course

Final exam and 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.

Hannigan, J. (2022). Environmental sociology. Taylor & Francis.

Dasgupta, P. (2021). The economics of biodiversity: the Dasgupta review. Hm Treasury

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

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

Quizzes: 20%
Midterm Exam: 20%
Presentation: 20%
Final Exam: 40%

Quizzes will be completed on LMS.
Midterm and final exams will be the paper test.

n/a

None.