What does climate change look like? What does the future hold for us? Do the movies and the media get it right on climate change? How can we get engaged in solutions to climate change?
This course is designed for second year students, although it is open to everyone interested in learning more about climate change.
Fall 2017: Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 to 5:00
Forest Sciences Centre (FSC) – Room 1005
For more information, contact Forestry Undergraduate Student Services at forestry.undergrad@ubc.ca or 604.822.1834.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to climate change through the lens of existing local landscapes and possible scenarios for your own future. The course provides an overview of the science of climate change, its implications for ordinary people, its potential solutions, and better ways to communicate climate change. We will use visual media such as “cli-fi” movies and 3D visualization to explain current realities and explore alternative futures with climate change, and to make learning more fun and memorable.
Course Objectives
The course aims to build awareness about what climate change means for communities and the environment, how people perceive it, and how you can engage others in moving towards climate solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the scientific basics of climate change and implications for people, communities and BC landscapes.
- See your surroundings differently: how to recognize climate change in the context of real life and places.
- Understand the basics of climate change perceptions and communications: how people think about climate change and how they can be engaged.
- Critically evaluate and use visual media and other communication strategies to engage people on climate change, including mapping, photography, visualization, films and video-games.
- Confidently explain and engage effectively with others about climate change and contribute to informed debate and action as agents of change in the community.
Course materials
Required textbook: Students enrolling in the course for Fall 2017 are encouraged to obtain the required course textbook “Visualizing Climate Change”, available at the UBC Bookstore and online (see details in the attached syllabus)
I-clickers: Students should obtain and register an i-clicker for in-class interaction and quizzes (available from the Bookstore).
A full website with detailed course schedule will be available to registered students by early September, before classes start.
The course syllabus for this term has not been finalized yet. For reference, please check the syllabus draft that has been posted in this website.
