LEARNING OUTCOMES
The critical interdependence between humanity and the environment is explored and analyzed. A revealing overview of the major environmental issues that, society is being faced with, in the twenty-first century, is presented. With attention to a detailed and sensitive language, the course explains how human health and well-being are inextricably linked to the web of interactions that characterize life on this planet. The structure of the course combines a general ecological concern with specific elements related to personal and community health. The interdependence of the environment to health, encourages learners to realize how today’s environmental issues determine the quality of our daily lives. The ability of citizens to influence public structure through their actions is stressed throughout the course. The main purpose of the course is to provide students with specific information and critical assessment skills on environmental problems. These skills will enable them to participate in decision-making processes, thus defining the quality of health and the environment in the coming decades.
With the successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- understand the relationship between ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SOCIETY.
- have assessed the importance of Education for a sustainable relationship between humanity and the environment.
- understand what the environment is we are finally talking about.
- get to know the concepts of the environment.
- know how we got here.
- have studied the historical flashback of environmental degradation.
- study the scientific approach to sustainable development (e.g., Recycling/Reuse – Circular Economy)
- reflect on concepts such as ‘Recycling or Reuse?’, ‘Should we worry or not?’‘.
- become communicatively able to manage modern environmental concerns: “Climate Change”, “The Terror of Plastic”, “Overpopulation”, “Lack of (clean) water and food”, “What do we breathe?”, “Environmental migration”, “Environmental accidents”, “Anthropogenic and natural disasters”, “Environmental risk”, “Reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience”, “Restore after a crisis or disaster.”
- know the consequences of human behavior on the environment and on the health of everyone.
GENERAL SKILLS
- Decision-making
- Autonomous work
- Teamwork
- Working in an interdisciplinary environment
- Adapt to new situations.
- Respect for the natural environment
- Presentation skills
COURSE CONTENT
Theory:
- Man-Development-Nature: Is conflict inevitable?
- Introduction to ecological principles
- Dynamics and Population Control
- The difficult equation between Food and Humanity
- Impact of development on ecosystems
- Is our environment toxic?
- Environmental diseases
- Toxic substances
- Parasites and pesticides and food quality
- Air Pollution
- Clean energy alternatives
- Noise pollution
- Water pollution/Solid and hazardous waste
STUDENT EVALUATION
Case studies, presentation, participation in lectures.
Participation in all activities, is required, in order to complete the course.
Case studies (20 points),
Presentation (20 points),
Participation (10 points)
Total: 50 points
RECOMMENDED-BIBLIOGRAPHY
Main Textbook:
Tsampoukou-Skanavi K., (2004), Environment and Society: A Relationship in Continuous Evolution, Kaleidoscope, ATHENS
Bibliography:
Nadakavukaren A., (2011), Our Global Environment, A Health Perspective, Seventh Edition, Illinois
EUDOXUS
- Περιβάλλον και Κοινωνία, Κ. Τσαμπούκου-Σκαναβή Λεπτομέρειες
- Περιβάλλον. Η Επιστήμη Πίσω από τις Ιστορίες, Withgott Jay, Brennan Scott Λεπτομέρειες
- Περιβάλλον και Υγεία, Roger del Moral, Lawrence R. Walker Λεπτομέρειες