This course has two principal objectives. The first is to provide an intensive introduction to the historical development and current issues of environmental policy in the United States, including basic perspectives, processes and institutions, major developments in the history of American environmental policy, environmental regulation and recent innovations, and implications of emerging global issues and institutions. The second objective is to develop each student’s skills in critical thinking and reasoning about environmental policy issues, both historical and current, and about the arguments of advocates on all sides of environmental issues; and in writing a concise assessment of a policy issue and options for dealing with it. The course is intended for graduate students and upper-level undergraduates who already have at least a basic understanding of environmental issues (e.g. ENVR 100 or 600, or ENEC 201 or 202, or equivalent).
Cross listed: ENVR 585, ENEC 585, PLCY 585