Ecology and Social Innovation

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This microprogram is designed for all students wishing to acquire knowledge and skills that combine issues related to the socio-ecological transition with approaches from transformative leadership, local development, the relationship to the land and indigenous spirituality. You will discover how to deepen your understanding of ecological issues while promoting the implementation of innovative projects that take these issues into account.

Program requirements

Compulsory Courses (9 units)

  • HUM1102 Ecological Literacy
  • HUM2102 Approaches to Social and Ecological Issues
  • INS3107 Ecology and Environmental Justice

Optional courses (6 units)

  • HUM2101 Communities and the Land: Exploring Spiritualities and Indigeneity
  • HUM4102 Ecological Dimensions of Conflict
  • HUM4104 Ecojustice, Peace and Nonviolence
  • INS3116 Territories and Local Development
  • PHI3134 Environmental and Animal Ethics

Courses

HUM1102 Ecological Literacy

Introduction to basic ecological literacy and its importance to Environmental Humanities, and the interconnected fields of leadership, ecology and equity. Topics include evolution and planetary processes necessary to understand the significance of climate change, species extinction, and the hydrologic cycle, and their significance to social issues.

HUM2101 Communities and the Land: Exploring Spiritualities and Indigeneity

Theoretical and methodological analysis of the Land. It involves practical engagement with diverse perspectives on the Land and its sacredness with a particular emphasis on Indigenous approaches and understandings.

HUM2102 Approaches to Social and Ecological Issues

Study of the multiple connections between social and ecological issues and their potential solutions. This examination will take the form of empirical evidence and case studies, followed by social, political and ethical analyses of these connections. Examples will be drawn from local, regional, national and global perspectives to reveal the complex intersections of social and ecological issues.

HUM4102 Ecological Dimensions of Conflict

Study of several intersections between ecological issues, justice, conflicts and efforts for effective eco-justice. Various examples will be studied to understand the issues involved in, for example, protracted conflicts, climate change and social impacts, resource scarcity. The purpose is also to assess various responses: conflicts, nonviolent resistance, peaceful resolutions. Insights from recent work in the fields of Environmental Humanities and ecojustice will be discussed.

HUM4104 Ecojustice, Peace and Nonviolence

Many scholars and activists are connecting ecological sustainability with peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. Further exploration of these approaches, including themes of politics, governance, ethics and theories of social change.

INS3107 Ecology and Environmental Justice

Major issues and debates concerning ecology and environmental justice, examined through the lens of specific cases.

INS3116 Territories and Local Development

Major components of a sociopolitical framework designed to help understand issues related to the use of a geographic space and its anchoring in communities and ecosystems.

PHI3134 Environmental and Animal Ethics

Explores ethical issues concerning non-human animals and the environment, such as harvesting non-human animals for food production and the social problems arising from global warming.