Purpose of the Course and Expectations

The course has two basic goals.  First, to discuss issues arising at the intersection of policy, science and the environment that create challenges for effective decision making; and second, to introduce you to conceptual tools which are useful in thinking more effectively and responsibly about any problem of policy; and third, to develop and practice skills using the tools to analyze the various dimensions of an policy issue.  To meet these goals, the course focuses on three primary activities: (1) core readings and discussion on aspects of environmental policy and the policy sciences; (2) periodic individual and shared assignments on substantive issues; and (3) a semester-long term project to be completed in groups. 

Please note that three books are required reading for this course, other readings are either selected chapters or journal articles that will be made available online. The books will also be on reserve at Norlin Library.

What you will get out of this class is proportional to what you put into the class.  Much of the substantive material on particular environmental policy issues will be brought to the class through the term project and our class discussions of the significance of the readings in the context of your project.  Thus, it is critical to treat the term project as a semester-long effort, and not a final-week rush.

In order to get the most out of this course, you will need to come to class prepared, participate, and complete all of the assignments.  I encourage you to use the office hours as an opportunity to discuss in more detail certain aspects of the course, share ideas on your case study, and to provide feedback on the course and the readings.  The remainder of this syllabus details some of the important aspects of this course.