Course title
310069001
Natural Environment and Culture

SHIBUE Keiko
Middle-level Diploma Policy (mDP)
Program / Major mDP Goals
IoT Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Software Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Media Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Data Science Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Mechatronics Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Architecture and Architectural Engineering Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Environmental Systems and Urban Planning Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Bioscience Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Biomedical Engineering Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Sports Engineering Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Mathematical Sciences Course DP-1・1 グローバルな視点から多面的にひと・もの・ことを考える幅広い視野と教養を身につけ、諸問題を多面的かつ客観的に扱うことができる。
Purpose of class
This course aims to develop an understanding of various nature conservation principles through the assessment and evaluation of natural environments. It provides a foundation in scientific evidence rooted in ecology, community ecology, landscape ecology, and conservation biology, as well as approaches to problem-solving. Students will establish a basis for connecting these concepts to specialized fields such as regional nature conservation planning and biodiversity conservation planning. Ultimately, the course seeks to foster an environmental philosophy for sustaining a humane way of life on Earth.
Course description
The primary aim of this course is to examine the current challenges in human-nature interactions and provide a historical perspective on how approaches to nature conservation have evolved over time. Throughout the course, we will explore various environmental issues at both global and regional levels. You will learn the ways in which humans interact with the natural world across diverse biomes to promote sustainable land use and mitigate conflicts. By integrating principles from ecology, conservation biology, and landscape ecology, along with insights from cultural anthropology and environmental psychology, I will introduce methodologies for addressing environmental challenges and developing strategies for effective nature conservation.
Goals and objectives
  1. By the end of the course, students should have basic knowledge and understanding of:
    1. Global ecosystem diversity and the drivers of past and present global environmental change.
  2. 2. The concepts of biodiversity, ecological succession, and landscape change.
  3. 3. How physical and biological characteristics of the environment influence spatial distribution patterns in ecological communities.
  4. 4. Past and present techniques and strategies for nature conservation.
  5. 5. The historical evolution of environmental policies and laws across different countries.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

Exam 1 Exam 2 Final exam Total.
1. 10% 3% 8% 21%
2. 13% 3% 8% 24%
3. 3% 10% 8% 21%
4. 10% 8% 18%
5. 4% 4% 8% 16%
Total. 30% 30% 40% -
Evaluation method and criteria
Your overall grade in the class will be determined based on the following:
Midterm Examination: 60%
Final Examination: 40%
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Course introduction Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
2. The major biomes of the world Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
3. Conditions for life Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
4. Global environmental change-Biogeochemical cycles Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
5. Global change-Species invasions and extinction Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
6. Ecological succession Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
7. Analysis of Land-Use and Vegetation Changes Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
8. Midterm exam Review 30minutes
9. Historical overview of nature conservation Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
10. Environmental law, policy and politics Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
11. Biodiversity Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
12. Conservation and restoration strategies Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
13. Island biogeography theory, and landscape structure, including patches, corridors, and networks Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
14. Total human ecosystem sustainable land use conservation Preparation and review of the class 30minutes
Review 90minutes
15. Final Exam
Total. - - 510minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class
Textbooks and reference materials
・ Robert Leo Smith・Thomas M. Smith:Elements od Ecology, Addition wesley Longman, Inc., 1998.
・ R. H. Whittaker:“Communities and ecosystems”2nd edition, Macmillan, 1975.
・ Richard T. T. Forman・Michel Godron: “Landscape Ecology”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1986.
・Zev Naveh・Arthur S. Lieberman:“Landscape Ecology : Theory and Application”, Second edition, Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., 1994.
・ Richard T. T. Forman:“Land Mosaics -the Ecology of landscapes and regions”, Cambridge University Press, 1995.
・ F.B.Goldsmith・A. Warren:“Conservation in Progress”, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 1993.
Prerequisites
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Office hours are available by appointment after class.
Regionally-oriented
Regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
More than one class is interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
Applicable Drawing directly on professional experience in developing conservation plans and providing advisory services on nature conservation, biodiversity conservation, and OECMs for governmental agencies, corporations, and civic organizations, this course teaches the principles and approaches of conservation planning.
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 4.QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 11.SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
  • 12.RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
  • 13.CLIMATE ACTION
  • 14.LIFE BELOW WATER
  • 15.LIFE ON LAND
  • 17.PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
Last modified : Wed Apr 29 11:40:28 JST 2026