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Business Simon Fraser University Calendar | Fall 2013

Corporate Environmental and Social Sustainability

Certificate

Program Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 24 units by completing three of*

BUS 303 - Business, Society and Ethics (3)

This course examines and reviews contemporary thinking on the changing role of business and business persons in the operations of society, particularly Canadian society. The course explores the changing legal, ethical and regulatory environments of business focusing on the critical alignments -- values, policies, technology and legal approaches -- between the modern organization and its broader public. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for BUS 103, COMM 103, or COMM 303 may not take this course for further credit.

or ENV 320W - Ethics and the Environment (3)

An introduction to the field of environmental ethics for non-specialists. Addresses questions such as what obligations we have to future generations and the natural world, as well as the extent of these obligations. Prerequisite: Students must have earned at least 45 units. Students who have taken PHIL 333-3 or ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Ethics" prior to or in 2011 and students with credit in PHIL 328-3 may not enroll in this course for further credit. Philosophy Majors and Minors may not take this course for credit towards their major or minor degree. Writing.

BUS 393 - Commercial Law (3)

Common law, equity, and statute law; contracts, agency, and negotiable instruments; partnership and corporation law; international commercial law. Prerequisite: 60 units. BUEC 391 is not to be taken concurrently with BUS 393. Students with credit for COMM 393 may not take this course for further credit.

or ENV 319 - Environmental Law (3)

Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: Students must have earned at least 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Enviromental Law" in 2012 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

EVSC 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Introduces students to the discipline of environmental science. Lecture material will be complemented by case studies and guest speakers. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

or GEOG 111 - Earth Systems (3)

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

and a minimum of one of

GEOG 100 - Society, Space, Environment: Introducing Human Geography (3)

A survey of how humans shape their world, considered from spatial and environmental perspectives. Themes include population, culture, resources, livelihood, cities. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 102 - World Problems in Geographic Perspective (3)

Current world-scale problems are examined in their regional and global contexts, with emphasis being placed on the importance of dynamics of the natural environment in human affairs. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 100 - Global Change (3)

This course provides students with an overview of global environmental change and its causes from a social science perspective, historically and at the present time. Population growth, an increasing ecological footprint and changes in ideology, social organization, economy and technology will be critically reviewed. New ways of thinking in natural and social science will be considered in relation to specific issues such as land, soil and food; energy, raw materials and solid waste; air pollution and transportation; water, oceans and fisheries; climate change; forestry and biodiversity; urbanization, and alternative futures. Breadth-Social Sciences. Equivalent Courses: ENPL100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

and a minimum of two of*

BUS 449 - Ethical Issues in Marketing (3)

A critical examination of topics such as consumerism, marketing ethics, and social responsibility, efficiency of marketing or ecological marketing. The particular emphasis may vary depending on the interests of the class and instructor. Prerequisite: BUS 343, 360W; 60 units.

BUS 453 - Sustainable Innovation (3)

Challenges associated with continuing innovation are examined and students work to generate innovative solutions by challenging existing economic models. Students learn about sustainable opportunity, recognition, and screening, and understand how great ideas to 'save the plant' can get off the ground. Prerequisite: BUS 360W; 60 units. Students with credit for BUS 494 when offered as Sustainable Innovation may not complete this course for further credit.

BUS 475 - Sustainable Operations (3)

Examines key challenges and opportunities organizations face in integrating sustainable business practices within corporate strategy. Identifies organizational capabilities needed to support existing sustainable commitments and strategies to allow for innovation. Prerequisite: BUS 360W; 90 units. Students with credit for BUS 49X Selected Topics (Sustainable Operations) may not take this course for further credit.

BUS 489 - Management Practices for Sustainability (3)

Businesses are realigning and in some cases, reinventing their organizations toward more sustainable business models. Management systems and initiatives will be examined that enable organizations to reduce their firms' negative environmental and social impacts while, in many cases, increasing profits and competitive advantage. Prerequisite: BUS 360W and 374; 60 units. Students who have taken BUS 457 cannot take this course for further credit.

*Registration in upper division Business Administration courses required for this certificate are open only to approved BBA students or Faculty of Environment students who are enrolled in this certificate.

and a minimum of two of**

ARCH 386 - Archaeological Resource Management (3)

Surveys the origins, implementations, and need for archaeological heritage legislation on an international and national scale. Topical issues associated with contract archaeology, public archaeology, native heritage, and avocational societies are incorporated. Prerequisite: ARCH 201.

CMNS 349 - Environment, Media and Communication (4)

An examination of how media, culture and communication shape public opinion and behavior about environmental issues such as global warming (un)sustainable resource use and pollution, with special attention to the impact of practices such as advertising, public relations, science and risk communication, journalism and advocacy communication upon public discourse about the environment, and the role of dialogue and deliberation in mediating and resolving conflict over environmental issues. Prerequisite: 60 units, including at least one upper division course in CMNS, DIAL, EVSC, GEOG or BlSC. Or written permission of the instructor. Students with credit for CMNS 388 may not take this course for further credit.

DEVS 201 - Introduction to Development and Sustainability (3)

A critical introduction to various approaches to development and sustainability. Examines the impacts of major drivers of environmental change caused by development processes, and offers selected case studies from around the world illustrating policy and practical challenges to implementing sustainable development measures at various scales.

DEVS 401 - Issues, Concepts and Cases in Development and Sustainability (4)

An in-depth critical examination of contemporary challenges to effective governance for sustainable development within the context of global north-south relations. Assesses the prospects for sustainable solutions in relation to selected problem-solving thematic areas and case studies at various scales involving student-led dialogues. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for ENV 401 may not complete this course for further credit.

ENSC 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Students wishing B-Soc credit should take ENV 412. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 credit hours. Students may take only one of ENSC 412 and ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

or ENV 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Students wishing B-Sci credit should take ENSC 412. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 credit hours. Students may take only one of ENSC 412 and ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

ENV 222 - Environmental Controversy: An interdisciplinary study of environmental issues (3)

Through lecture, field experiences, guest presentations and group projects, students will explore the complexity within a number of key environmental controversies, exploring its scientific, social, cultural, ethical, legal and personal aspects. Prerequisite: Two of the following: GEOG 102 or REM 100 and EVSC 100 or GEOG 111. Students who have received credit for ENV 399 (Environmental Controversy) can not receive credit for ENV 222.

ENV 321 - Ecological Economics (3)

Introduces students to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. Provides students with grounding in the core principles of conventional economics applied to the environment but then extends this to the integration of economics and ecology to create a new ecological-economic understanding of environmental change and sustainability. Prerequisite: Minimum of 45 units. Students who have taken ECON 260 can not take this course for further credit. ENV 321 is Identical to REM 321 and students cannot take both for credit.

GEOG 221 - Economic Geography (3)

The basic concepts of economic geography, involving consideration of the spatial organization and development of economic and resource based systems. Prerequisite: GEOG 100.

GEOG 321 - Geographies of Global Capitalism (4)

Examines the historical development, spatial organization, and social impact of market function, firm structure and operation, economic policy, and regulation and deregulation at various scales from local to global, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: GEOG 221. Students who received credit for GEOG 321 (STT), Contemporary Capitalism, in Spring 2010, may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 322 - World Resources (4)

An analysis of the use and development of natural resources from a geographic, economic and institutional perspective. Prerequisite: At least 30 units including GEOG 221. Students with credit for GEOG 322W may not take this course for further credit.

or GEOG 322W - World Resources (4)

An analysis of the use and development of natural resources from a geographic, economic and institutional perspective. Prerequisite: At least 30 units including GEOG 221. Students with credit for GEOG 322 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GEOG 323 - Industrial Location (4)

An examination of the factors affecting industrial location and the geographic organization of production systems within and among firms from the perspectives of national, regional and urban development. Prerequisite: GEOG 221.

GEOG 325 - Geographies of Consumption (4)

Spaces, places, landscapes, and scales of consumption emphasizing commodity cultures, marketing, retail, ideology, subjectivity, objects, technology, and tourism. Prerequisite: GEOG 221 or 261.

PHYS 346 - Energy and the Environment (3)

The physical principles and limitations of renewable energy source utilization and energy conversion. A quantitative introduction to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating; wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear power, hydrogen technology, electrical and mechanical energy storage. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121; PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; and MATH 155 or 152. Quantitative.

POL 452W - Energy Policy (4)

Examines the politics and policies of energy, including historical and technical perspectives. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, regulatory policy, and the economics of energy, as well as practical case studies. Students who have completed POL 459 in 2009 and 2010 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.

REM 350 - Sustainable Energy and Materials Management (4)

Takes an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable management of society's energy and materials flows. Topics range from thermodynamics and estimates of global resources to market-based policies and governance Institutions. Peak oil, renewable energy and carbon capture and storage are also discussed. The role for green consumerism in light of climate challenge are highlighted. Prerequisite: 45 credit hours.

REM 356 - Institutional Arrangements for Sustainable Environmental Management (3)

This course provides an overview of some basic legislation, agencies, and policies which currently are in use to regulate the natural environment at the international, nation, provincial, regional, and local levels. Its purpose is to present a basic set of evaluative questions which can be used to address the effectiveness and efficiency of the environmental regulatory and management systems currently in use. Prerequisite: REM 100.

REM 412 - Environmental Modeling (3)

Students receive hands-on experience in the construction and analysis of computer simulation models of environmental and ecological systems and problems. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; BISC 204; MATH 151 or 154 or 157; MATH 152 or 155 or 158; STAT 101 or 201 or 203 or equivalent. Quantitative.

SCD 201 - Introduction to Sustainable Community Development (3)

First required course for the SCD Certificate. Builds an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of conventional approaches to development; rationale for alternative approaches; varying interpretations of community and of development; and essential components for creating local economic development strategies. Sustainable Community Development is introduced as a framework to meet current social and economic needs while ensuring adequate resources are available for future generations. Prerequisite: 30 units or SCD Certificate program approval or permission of the director for SCD. Not permitted for credit toward the SCD Post Baccalaureate Diploma. Corequisite: students may not complete this course concurrently with upper division SCD courses. Students with credit for CED or REM 201 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

or REM 201 - Introduction to Sustainable Community Development (3)

Builds an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of conventional approaches to development; rationale for alternative approaches; varying interpretations of community and of development; and essential components for creating local economic development strategies. Sustainable community development is introduced as a framework to meet current social and economic needs while ensuring adequate resources are available for future generations. Prerequisite: 30 units. Not permitted for credit toward the Sustainable Community Development Post Baccalaureate Diploma. Students with credit for CED or SCD 201 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SCD 301 - Sustainable Community Development Theory and Practice (4)

A theoretical foundation for understanding sustainable development at the community level; including an integrated approach to environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Emphasizes economic and policy instruments, and planning tools, for engaging in and implementing SCD. Prerequisite: SCD certificate program approval and CED, SCD or REM 201 or SCD diploma program approval or completion of 60 units or permission of the director for SCD. Students with credit for CED or REM 301 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

or REM 301 - Sustainable Community Development Theory and Practice (4)

A theoretical foundation for understanding sustainable development at the community level, including an integrated approach to the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Emphasizes economic and policy instruments, and planning tools, for engaging in and implementing SCD. Prerequisite: CED or SCD 201 or REM 201 or completion of 60 units. Students with credit for CED or SCD 301 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

**Substitutions with appropriate course content may be possible with permission of the Beedie School of Business.

and completion of a minimum of one of the following approved experiential or service learning components

  • co-operative education work term focused on areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum of voluntary or salaried work within a social enterprise, charitable organization, company, corporation, or non-profit organization in a role related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum as a research assistant for a professor focusing on areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum in other Business Faculty-approved activity areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability

Before beginning this requirement, prior approval from the Academic Director Business Major, Beedie School of Business, is recommended by submitting a detailed outline of their activity.

Upon completion of the experiential component, students will submit to the Academic Director - Business Major

  • a description (written by either the student or the organization) of the organization and the student's role in the organization, signed and validated by the employer/supervisor
  • a reflective 500 word essay about the student's work/volunteer experience that identifies key corporate environmental and social sustainability experiences and how that influenced their current thinking about the implications of business practice on society and the environment. The essay will be graded pass/fail.

Grade Requirements

In addition to normal university grade point average requirements, the Beedie School of Business requires a minimum 2.40 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for entry into all 300 and 400 division business courses.

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