Ain’t gonna study war no more: Teaching and learning cooperation in a graduate course in resource and environmental management

John R Welch; Evelyn Pinkerton

doi:10.1921/gpwk.v25i2.888

Authors

John R Welch Simon Fraser University
Evelyn Pinkerton Simon Fraser University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v25i2.888

Abstract

Abstract: Humans are the primary causes of increases in biosphere-scale toxicity, climatic variation, and risk. Despite several generations of intensive and scientifically astute environmental advocacy, research, and training it is unclear whether these trends will provoke self-perpetuating and out-spiraling conflicts or unprecedented levels of effective cooperation. For educators, a pivotal question is whether our schools, classrooms and curricula will produce the problem solvers required to meet escalating challenges in resource and environmental management. One of our responses to this question is a course that uses groupwork to simulate aspects of ‘real world’ complexity in resource management. The course, taught to over 300 graduate students in Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management, effectively trains learners in the acquisition and application of conceptual and practical knowledge and skills centered on cooperation among individuals and groups with diverse values and interests.

Author Biographies

John R Welch, Simon Fraser University

Professor, jointly Dept of Archaeology and School ofResource and Environmental Management

Evelyn Pinkerton, Simon Fraser University

Professor, School Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University

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