Geography 153a

Environment, Economy and Society

Fall 1999

Instructor: Dr. L. Graham Smith

Meetings: Mondays, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., SSC 2028

Scope:

Sustainability provides an integrative paradigm for geography, as the imperatives for sustainability directly correspond to the fundamentals of geography and the understanding of the linkages among environment, economy and society in the determination of landscapes. Thus, Geography 153 is taught in an integrative manner that reflects the three fundamental imperatives for sustainability:

- environment

- economy

- society

The philosophy advocated in the course is a timely answer to the growing sense of frustration in society concerning the individual's ability to respond to rapidly changing world dynamics in an era of economic globalization, perceived environmental crises and societal malaise. It is designed to confront a prevailing coma of complacency, lack of principled leadership and spirit of pessimism. It challenges individuals and communities alike to be accountable, take responsibility and implement a new social vision for integrity as a transformative shift to a globally sustainable future.

Its vision is practical, not theoretical. It provides hope for the future based on a spirit of optimism, renewed spirituality and an understanding of the information age, compassionate capitalism, abundance mentality, individual empowerment and the facilitation of community stewardship.

Thus, the focus of the course is:

- the understanding of the primary concept of sustainability

- the implications of global change for the achievement of sustainability

- the need for a transformative shift in societal values for sustainability to be realized.

Although the primary means of instruction will be lectures, a wide variety of alternate teaching styles also will be utilised to foster group discussion, class dialogue and critical thinking. Class participation will not be formally evaluated. However, past experience with this teaching approach clearly shows that active participation in self-directed learning and small-group problem-solving closely correlates with final course grades.

The course also makes active use of the Caucus on-line conferencing service

The Geography 153 conference page provides a forum for extended interaction and reflection between all members of the course.

Topic Outline

- Introduction, concepts, constructs and course outline

- Paradigm Shift: optimism, pessimism and the future

- Response-Ability and the implementation of sustainability

- the Environmental Imperative

- the Economic Imperative

- the Social Imperative

- a social transformation in values: belief systems, personal growth and collective consciousness

- the Population Bomb: consumerism, capitalism and culture

- the Tribal Mind: politics, war and social crisis

- Gender equality: patriarchy, power and prosperity

- the Impacts of Development: industry, information and geography

- Dynamism or Stasis?

Required Texts:

Pilzer, P.Z. (1995) God Wants You to be Rich. Fireside: New York.

Postrel, V. (1998) The Future and its Enemies. The Free Press: New York

In addition to Caucus and my own webpage, sites that reflect the topics covered in the course include:

The Future and its Enemies

Positive Net Home Page

Julian Simon

Sustainability of Human Progress

Changing Course

Caroline Myss

American Renaissance Alliance

A Source Book for Earth's Community of Religions

Conversations with God

These sites are not intended to be definitive but, rather, to stimulate and encourage you to develop and expand your own personal bookmarks beyond this listing.

Evaluation:

Marks in Geography 153 are assigned on the basis of a term essay and a final exam, as follows:

Term Paper, 40%:

Choose one topic from the following list:

Distinguish between optimism and pessimism in the context of global sustainability.

What is the basis for Pilzer's contention that there are no limits to growth? Discuss.

Implicit to both Pilzer's promotion of abundance mentality and our concept of community is the central principle of morality. Discuss the proposition that "every economic transaction is a moral decision".

People often perceive scientific assumptions to be absolute truths when in reality they are illusions accepted as truths. Discuss this proposition with respect to the role of information in achievement of sustainability.

Pilzer defines economic alchemy as "the study of how to efficiently employ and distribute unlimited resources or wealth, primarily through the advancement and application of technology". Discuss how economic alchemy provides for a positive understanding of the sustainable impacts of technology.

Length: maximum of 15 typed pages Due: November 15, 1999

Final Examination, 60%:

Held after the completion of the course, the final exam covers all materials introduced during the term. The exam features an essay format and its structure focuses on creative thinking and critical awareness developed through the course.

To be scheduled during the mid-year examination period December, 1999 (t.b.a.)

Caveat: the instructor reserves the right not to grade any material submitted after its due date without prior approval of the instructor.