Program Overview
Course Overview
The course "Environmental Ethics" is a 1.0-unit program offered to students from 1 to 5 years, with classes held during the autumn semester. The instructors are Matsui Kenichi and Watanabe Kazuo.
Course Description
Environmental ethics considers not only interpersonal relationships but also the relationship between humans and the natural environment. This course aims to help students develop a broad perspective, enabling them to evaluate the ethical implications of their daily activities as part of an ecosystem. Students will explore the necessity of constructing universal ethical frameworks and laws to address environmental issues as global citizens.
Course Format
The course is conducted in English and features lectures.
Relationship to Degree Programs and Competencies
This course is related to the master's level, focusing on competencies such as knowledge utilization, management abilities, communication skills, and internationality. At the doctoral level, it is associated with competencies including knowledge creation, management abilities, communication skills, leadership, and internationality.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, students will be able to develop problem analysis skills, knowledge management skills, and communication skills regarding decisions about natural resource use and daily activities that affect the natural environment. They will also be able to connect their activities to environmental conservation, water governance, localized practices, and other related areas.
Keywords
- Environmental ethics
- International environmental law
- Intellectual property rights
- Water governance
- Indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge
Course Plan
The course includes assignments, with one written assignment in English to be submitted. The topic can be chosen from the lecture contents, and students are advised to meet deadlines. Extensions may be granted for unavoidable reasons, but proper documentation may be required.
Evaluation Method
The evaluation consists of in-class contribution (50%) and an essay assignment (50%). A minimum of 70% attendance is required.
Grading Practices
Grades are assigned based on the quality of the essay, including organization, writing skills, originality, and independent argument. The grading scale includes A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, and others, with each grade reflecting different levels of achievement in terms of research effort, sound interpretation of sources, and academic citation.
Recommended Readings
A list of recommended readings will be provided during the orientation period, including:
- Andrew Light and Holmes Rolston III, eds., Environmental Ethics: An Anthology. Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
- Donald Van DeVeer and Christine Pierce, eds., The Environmental Ethics & Policy Book, Thomson Wordsworth, 2003.
Teaching Fellow/Teaching Assistant
Not specified.
Other Courses
There are no other specifically related courses mentioned.
Additional Notes
For this course, students will submit one written assignment in English, with the topic chosen from the lecture contents. Questions about the assignment should be directed to the course coordinator, and extensions may be considered for unavoidable reasons with proper documentation.