卡爾頓大學

The environment consists of a complex set of human and natural systems of which people are an important, and sometimes dominant, element. Decisions made by individuals, institutions, governments, industries and other actors have the ability to impact the environment in both direct and indirect ways, with consequences for future generations. Understanding the costs and benefits of development and conservation, as well as the underlying values and ethical guidelines for good environmental practice are critical for informed environmental decision-making. It is critical, to both the present and future state of the environment, that dialogue and policy are precautionary, evidence-based, thoughtful and inclusive.

The Environmental Studies program at Carleton University prepares students to be informed, skilled individuals who can participate effectively in the resolution of environmental problems and in the larger environmental debates critical to our future. The program is interdisciplinary and flexible, so that students can focus on the conservation of natural systems, natural resource management, environmental organizations and institutions, sustainable economies, environmental education and activism, or research.

The Environmental Studies program at Carleton is a multidisciplinary program based on the social sciences, humanities and sciences. You will develop innovative interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the environment and human roles and responsibilities. You will also be encouraged to develop your own perspectives and approaches to environmental questions. You will be able to select courses in a wide range of disciplines, including environmental science, law, political science, economics, geography, philosophy and psychology, as well as enroll in the integrative core courses in Environmental Studies at each level. Individual programs may be enriched by selecting from a wide range of courses offered by other departments. At Carleton, we offer a Bachelor of Arts General degree and a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Environmental Studies. Both programs consist of a core of required courses, as well as a number of program electives.

Core courses

The Environmental Studies programs provide students with a solid foundation of core and optional courses in the first two years, followed by an opportunity to specialize in one more areas of special interest. In your first year, you will take Introduction to Environmental Studies and in addition choose two of the following:

• People, Places and Environments;
• Introduction to the Environment; or
• Global Environmental Systems.

If you are in the Honours program, your core courses will also include the Intensive Field Course, a seminar in Environmental Studies, and a practicum course. You may also choose to undertake independent research or an environmental project. The fourth-year seminar uses case studies, action learning and research projects to give students competencies in analysis, synthesis and innovation for sustainable futures. We examine how social institutions respond to environmental concerns and how environmental priorities may be reflected in social, political and economic decision-making. The practicum offers valuable work experience in an external agency or organization involved with environmental issues.

Future opportunities

By studying Environmental Studies, you will learn to use information from many sources as a basis for environmental decision-making. During this process, you will acquire a solid foundation in environmental knowledge, as well as develop the specialized communication skills needed to actively promote yourself and your expertise.