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Environmental Studies 304: Environmental and Resource Policy

Syllabus and Schedule - Fall Quarter 2006
Dr. Grace Wang

Course Description

An examination of environmental and resource policy in the United States.  Some of the questions we'll ask (and answer) are: what is policy, how is it made, and how does it change?  The history of environmental policy is examined, and current environmental policies surveyed.  I'm particularly interested in human health as related to environmental policy.  This includes looking at federal, state, and local jurisdictions and how they interact in the policy arena.  Primary forces affecting environmental policy are reviewed and analyzed.  Several case studies are presented.

Expectations

This course will be an exchange of ideas, using a variety of techniques that emphasize active learning and participation.  Active participation involves speaking out, sharing ideas, asking questions, summarizing, and listening to other viewpoints in a professional manner.  There is a fair amount of group participation in the course.  You are expected to attend each class session, and have the readings done prior to coming to class.  If you are unable to attend, you are still responsible for the assignments due that day.  I expect everyone to have access to the Internet, and this course is set up through Blackboard as well.

Participation

Participation is important for the following reasons.  First, it helps you synthesize and engage more actively with the course material.  Second, public speaking skills are becoming more important in all careers, and participation gives you a chance to develop communications and speaking skills.  Third, the students in this class have diverse backgrounds and experiences; sharing individual perspectives and insights will help us all learn more and appreciate different angles.

Grading

The graded material for this class will consist of one short response paper, two thoughtfully written (longer) papers, with the topics to be announced as the quarter progresses.  The format of the final exam will be voted on – it will either be a final paper, policy memo, or actual take-home exam.

Your ideas cannot be wrong; I'm interested in what you think about the ideas.  I will not deduct points for ideas I may not agree with, but I will deduct points for sloppiness, misspelling, and gender-biased language.  Poor grammar and spelling, as well as gender-biased language are not tolerated because they have no place in professional settings.  If you are not sure about anything, simply ask.  Specific instructions and guidelines will be handed out before each writing assignment.

Plagiarism is a serious offense.  Familiarize yourself with what the term means at http://www.library.wwu.edu/ref/plagiarism.html.  Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.

Schedule of topics

Grading/Assignments

Required textbook

The Environmental Case: Translating Values into Policy (2nd ed.). 2006.  Judith A. Layzer.  CQ Press.  Available at WWU Bookstore.

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