Weeks 1-2
Overview
In this two-week unit, we will introduce ourselves to each other, and the instructors will introduce you to the course. You will begin with an overview of several important cross-cutting themes including systems, climate anxiety, planetary boundaries, equity, diversity, Indigenous knowledge, and decolonization. You will begin to consider how systems thinking relates to climate change, impacts and the field of adaptation. You will also be introduced to relationships between biophysical, social-ecological and policy systems, the complexity of the interactions, and the utility of systems thinking to understand and respond to climate change. Systems thinking will provide you with a framework for analysing complex, real world problems: both relationships and component parts.
In Week 1, you will introduce yourself to the instructors and your peers, and develop an I Wonder question. In Week 2, you will write and share your first critical reflection.
Week 1 Activities
This first week brings together a variety of readings as general introductions to the work of engaging with climate science in adaptation and public policy processes.
Week 1 Activity 1 – Explore the course websites
Week 1 Activity 2 (or 3 – your choice of order!) – Attend the live session or watch the recording, and bring questions on the course and/or the first readings.
Week 1 Activity 3 (or 2 – your choice of order!) – Explore at least two of the readings and resources on cross-cutting topics
Week 1 Activity 4 – Introduce yourself using Padlet, on Moodle! What brought you to the program/this course? What do you hope to get out of the course? What is your favourite game?
Week 1 Activity 5 – At the end of the week, develop a Wonder Question: based on the introductory readings, develop one critical question that you would like to explore as a starting point for your work this term. Begin your question with “What I wonder about human and climate systems is…” Post your question in the “I Wonder” forum. Review the other forum posts, and build on at least one other student’s question, by starting with the phrase: “Yes, and what I also wonder is…” Post at least one “Yes, and” response in the Forum.
Week 2 Activities
This second week continues with a variety of readings as general introductions to the work of engaging with climate science in adaptation and public policy processes.
Week 2 Activity 1 – Explore the resources: read the executive summary of Canada’s Changing Climate; skim the report on Working Together on Climate Adaptation; and watch the recorded instructor discussion about the readings. Pay attention to surprising-to-you data or findings and your personal response as you read the material. Skim the topics in the ClimateData.ca Learning Zone and the ClimateData.ca Sector Modules (click on sector in the top menu). Read at least one learning zone article and at least one resource in one of the sector modules. This is a required reading this week mostly so that you are aware of it for your own future reference.
Week 2 Activity 2 – Attend the live session or watch the recording.
Week 2 Activity 3 – Submit Critical Reflection #1: Guiding questions are on Moodle. Post your reflection, along with comments on at least other student’s reflection, by the end of the week.
For more information on the practice of Participation and Contribution in the MACAL program, see Assignment 1 and Contribution Assessment.