(2 weeks)
Overview
This unit will introduce and elaborate on the concepts of resilience, primarily drawing on framings related to climate change. This will include a history of the concepts of resilience and a discussion of the various contexts in which it has been applied. Additional perspectives (e.g., financial risk, Indigenous perspectives) will be used to situate the concept more broadly.
The relationship between resilience, risk, and sustainability will be explored using examples from literature and practice, and also through critical discussion and assignments. It is not always clear if and how these concepts interact, and disentangling is essential in operationalizing these concepts in one’s work. This unit is also an opportunity to begin to explore key concepts and examples relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion vis a vis resilience assessments and planning. These concepts continue to evolve alongside more widespread commitments to equity and reconciliation, and situating one’s understanding of risk and resilience within this context is essential in creating risk and resilience efforts that are circumspect, effective, and equitable.
Activities and Assessment Overview
- Complete Unit 1 readings
- Begin Assignment 1
- Contribute to the MACAL course community by posting questions, comments, and reflections in the course discussion forum.
Activity 1: Complete Required Readings
The readings for this unit focus on theoretical conceptualizations of risk and resilience. Leading thinkers’ understanding of this concept are presented and additional Indigenous and international context is also added.
Activity 2: Complete Assignment 1
The objective of this assignment is to deepen your conceptual understanding of resilience as it has been applied in multiple contexts.