Course Overview
This course introduces students to the field of ecological economics by providing a theoretical grounding in first principles and exploring efficiency in the distribution of resources in society. The course covers the philosophical and theoretical basis of both neo-classical and ecological economics—emphasizing how economic systems interact with social and environmental systems. The course focuses on how to reduce pressure on nature and increase human wellbeing in economically viable ways with reference to case studies that provide opportunities to examine economic principles and their application to environmental, social, and resource-use issues.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Bachelor of Business Administration program.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$800.98
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the conceptual framework and approach of the rapidly growing interdisciplinary field of ecological economics.
- Examine methods for analyzing links between types of consumption and production and the bio-physical impacts on nature.
- Analyze the philosophical and theoretical basis of the neo-classical economic paradigm.
- Analyze the philosophical and theoretical basis of the ecological economic paradigm.
- Assess possibilities for reducing socio-economic pressures on nature through technological change and ecological restructuring.
- Critique the major theories and programs (such as eco-efficiency, eco-effectiveness, ecological modernization, and industrial ecology) that can restructure contemporary economies to reduce their pressure on nature and increase human wellbeing.
- Propose policies that reduce pressure on nature and increase human wellbeing in economically viable ways with reference to ecological economic empirical research.
Effective as of Winter 2022
Related Programs
Ecological Economics: Social and Environmental Policy (BSUS 7100) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 7100 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68159
Dates
Apr 22 - Jul 29 Loading
- CRN 68159
- $800.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| Apr 29 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| May 06 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| May 13 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| May 20 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| May 27 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Jun 03 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| Jun 10 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Jun 17 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| Jun 24 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Jul 08 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Jul 15 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| Jul 22 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
| Jul 29 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SW05 Rm. 2895 |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Michael Barkusky
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Enrollment is restricted to students accepted into the Flexible Learning (formerly Part-Time) BBA Degree Program, Option 1 – Global Business. Registration approval is automatically given upon full acceptance into the program. This is a hybrid course with alternating weeks of in-person and online classes held via MS Teams, beginning with in-person week 1. Please note that the last 3 weeks will be held in-person, and there will be no class on July 1st due to the stat holiday.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.