This module addresses the complex and coupled linkages between human systems and ecosystems. It provides an overview of the key concepts that are necessary for understanding many of the environmental problems we face today and considers potential solutions. The perspective proposed here is a “systems perspective” that shows how human and environmental systems are coupled, how they are sustained through feedback mechanisms, and what important properties are of relevance for their resilience and sustainability.
This module focuses on the following questions:
Use these questions to focus your thinking as you work through the lesson.
By the end of Module 2, you should be able to:
Become familiar with these terms to the point where you, too, can use these in your own work.
There are a number of required readings in this module and two short assignments to submit. The material covered in this module will be necessary for the completion of Written Assignment 1 due next week. We recommend that you take a look at that assignment this week.
Requirement | Location | Submitting Your Work |
---|---|---|
Reading Assignment: What is Human Ecology? | What are Coupled Human-Environment Systems? | No submission |
Reading Assignment: The St. Matthew Island Reindeers | Feedback Mechanisms | No submission |
Reading Assignments: Ehrlich, Simon, Kurzweil, Hynes | Population, Affluence, and Technology | No submission |
Citation Training (Part 2) Assignment | End of Module 2 |
Connecting In-text to Reference List (quiz) Reflect and Share with your Peers (discussion post) |
If you have any questions, please post them to our Course Q & A discussion forum in Canvas. I will check that discussion forum often to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate. If you have a more specific concern, please send me a message through Inbox in Canvas.