Course Overview
We will address questions about norms that guide environmental policies, using theories and methods of reasoning provided by the discipline of ethics. We will examine public environmental policies, and other related policies that pertain to research on human subjects, such as reproductive rights and genetic engineering. Examination and evaluation of these policies will help us develop skills in ethical analysis, a working knowledge of ethical principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve ethical disagreements. To frame our discussion about the environment, we will attempt to answer such questions as: Q1) What is the value of ecological balance? Q2) How should we perceive the relationship between human beings and the rest of nature? Q3) What do we want to achieve with environmental policy?
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$780.51
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
- Describe the main features of competing normative ethical theories
- Distinguish between anthropocentric and non-anthropocentric ethics.
- Recognize cases of collective action failure in ecological scenarios.
- Describe the conceptual difference between deep ecology and shallow ecology.
- Conduct case study analyses that make intelligent use of the ethical principles and methods explored in the course, and account for challenging counter views and arguments.
- Articulate where plans, policies, or actions fail to live up to acceptable ethical standards.
- State and justify alternative plans, policies or actions, by appealing to relevant ethical theories or perspectives and charitably taking account of contrary theories or perspectives.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Environmental Ethics (LIBS 7017) 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 Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of LIBS 7017 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 51600
Dates
Sep 08 - Dec 08 Loading
- CRN 51600
- $780.51 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
14 weeks
Instructor
Shulamit Gribov
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is reserved for the students in the Ecological Restoration program. Please contact Giti Abouhamzeh at giti_abouhamzeh@bcit.ca or 778-331-1392 to get approval. No class on Sep 30 due to stat holiday. Make up class on Friday, Oct 03rd from 08:30-11:20. No class on Nov 11 due to stat holiday. Make up class on Friday, Nov 14th from 08:30-11:20 Make up class on Friday, Nov 14th from 08:30-11:20.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
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.