RFW 251 Environment Legislation and Policy provides an introduction to foundational principles related to Canada's legal system, while covering the study of statutes, regulations, court cases and policy governing recreation and the environment, with reference to legal issues involving indigenous peoples where applicable. Emphasis is placed on interpreting and applying environmental, conservation and natural resource legislation, and its intersection with related policy, while developing practical legal research, writing and problem-solving skills.
Prerequisites: Admission into the SEG program or Admission into Year 2 Law and Justice Studies Program
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the structure and components of Canada's legal system and judiciary
- Research provincial and federal statutes and regulations
- Research, write and orally present an environmental legal issue with reference to relevant legislation, jurisprudence and policy
- Identify, understand and orally present legal and policy issues related to environmental sustainability and assessments from various stakeholder perspectives
- Become familiar with interpreting and applying federal and provincial environmental legislation and regulations, including, but not limited to: a) Parks Act(s), b) Environmental Assessment Act(s), c) Forest and Range Practices Act d) Fisheries Act Wildlife Act, e) Wildlife Act, f) Species at Risk Act, g) Occupiers Liability Act, and h) Environmental Management Act
Teaching and Learning Approach
Weekly assignments are expected to be completed during lab hours. Assignments will involve individual online
research and writing, with occasional group collaboration and presentations. Students are expected to
demonstrate professionalism through observing attendance expectations, regular class participation, and
meeting assignment deadlines in timely fashion.Learning Resources
Required:
MoodleDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to Law I
2. Introduction to Law II
3. The Judicial Process
4. Parks Legislation & Occupiers' Liability (principles & legislation)
5. Applied Learning: Forest & Range Practices Act & Recreation Rec Sites Trails BC Guest Speakers
6. BC Environmental Management Act
7. Reading Week
8. Indigenous Legal Issues & Environmental Assessment Legislation
9. Wildlife and Environmental Management Legislation Applied Guest Speaker: Conservation Officer
10. Fisheries Legislation
11. No Class - RFW Winter Trip
12. Species at Risk Act; Provincial Species at Risk Protection Measures & Related Policy
13. Exam Review
14. Movie: The Rights of Nature
15. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Assignments - Weekly web-based legal research writing projects | and LO2, LO5 | 50% |
| Environmental Case Assignment - Research, and present environmental legal issue | prepare LO2, LO3, LO4 | 20% |
| Final Assessment | LO1, LO2, LO5 | LO4, 30 |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.