Time Schedule:
David A Tetta
ENVIR 497
Seattle Campus
Intensive and advanced reading and discussion of selected works in interdisciplinary environmental studies. Credit/No credit only. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Environmental Regulation and Management Seminar
The dynamics of the environmental movement over the past four decades is largely reflected in the structure and application of today’s environmental laws. These offer a perspective through with you can better understand: 1)the evolution of legal principles, scientific reasoning and public input in resolving environmental challenges; 2)the strengths and limits of the multi-jurisdictional arena in which these laws are administered; 3)the growth of public participation, consensus building and conflict resolution in today’s environmental decision making; and 4)the increasing importance of Tribal governments as key players in these decisions.
This class will help you explore these concepts via a focus on practical applications of environmental law to current issues in the Northwest. We will spend about half of the sessions covering the laws and administrative processes (i.e. permitting, enforcement), with the remaining half divided between scientific approaches to environmental standards setting and public involvement/conflict resolution methods.
Student learning goals
Articulate a general understanding of the major environmental laws influencing policy and programs in the Northwest, and how they are implemented at the local, state, Tribal and federal level.
Understand the skills, knowledge, experience and preparation needed to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders to implement these laws and regulations, negotiate environmental conflicts, and present environmental information.
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
The major written assignment will require you to attend and review a public meeting on the environmental issue of your choice (either a live event or an archived video), and then either write a brief paper, or give an in-class presentation, of your evaluation of that meeting. A selection of web sites will constitute the required readings for each week, and there will be associated message board postings required for some of the class sessions.
Class grading will be on a credit/no credit basis with three components to the grade:
In-Class Participation
The Public Meeting Assignment
Postings to the Class Message Board
