Levin College of Urban AffairsCSU
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environmental policy UST 652/PDD 752 
Course Syllabus Syllabus

(any changes will be announced in class)


Objectives COURSE OBJECTIVES


This course analyzes how environmental policy is like other policy realms - in terms of the general political, legal and social context in which it is designed and implemented; and, what sets it apart, in terms of its technical content, its underlying risk assessment, its reach beyond national borders, the scale and irreversibility of some of its consequences, and the value and resource conflicts it faces. The policy making process will be cast as joint decision making. The course will stress aspects common to such decision making, including stakeholder identification, recognition of various sources and types of information, various approaches and processes for making joint decisions, and for resolving issues in contention, interactions with the administrative and political structures. Some tools specific to the environmental context will be examined, such as forecasting, impact assessment, geographic information systems, and risk analysis.

understanding the nature of joint decision making processes as they relate to contemporary environmental issues and challenges;
identifying the current information and value bases, the history, and the decision processes related to environmental policy issues; and,
iü developing analyses, and evaluating plans, implementation strategies and consequences of environmental policies.

Students will acquire the ability to analyze and assess policy decisions, to seek an understanding of stakes involved, to recognize the roles of technical, social and political information, identify sources of potential conflict, and understand when negotiation and communication strategies can enhance implementability.


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Method COURSE METHOD


The course consists of:
  • lectures and guest lectures on the environmental policy process and on specific environmental issues that are currently the subject of policy debates;
  • class discussions and student presentations on assigned environmental policy topics;
  • case studies and simulations.

Important!


  • Students are expected to: attend all classes; participate actively in discussions, asking clarifying questions; complete assignments in a timely fashion; read text assignments and identify topics that need clarification; raise questions to ensure thorough understanding and ability to use the information in contexts outside the classroom.
  • Assignments should be: TYPED and handed in ON TIME. Communication skills complement analytic ones, so pay attention to completeness, clarity, and aspect of written work. Grading is based on sound analysis, and on effective interpretation and communication of results.

Evaluation EVALUATION PROCEDURE

The final grade will be a composite of grades for:
  • periodic assignments (with class presentations) 35%
  • class participation (in discussions, and group exercises) 25%
  • final paper (due on last day of class) 40%


  • Late work will not be accepted.
  • ž All assignments are required. Delays will be given only in emergency cases (proof required; vacation arrangements are not emergencies) and with advance notice.
  • ž Incompletes will be given according to university policy (only when students have completed most of the work in the course and face extraordinary circumstances in their life - death in the family, illness, loss of job, etc. - as judged by the instructor.)


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