Time Schedule:
Melissa K Merry
POL S 383
Seattle Campus
Interrelation between technological and environmental change and policy formation. Consideration of political behavior related to these phenomena and the capacity of urban public organizations to predict change and to formulate policies that can take future states into account.
Class description
This course is an introduction to the major issues surrounding environmental policy-making in the United States, focusing mainly on developments since the 1960s. We will closely examine the politics of environmental issues, particularly with respect to the values, goals, and strategies of the various actors seeking to influence environmental policy. We will also look more broadly at the nature of the policy process. How do environmental issues arise? What factors influence the design of environmental policies? Have environmental policies succeeded or failed? How might these policies be improved? We will address these questions through a series of case studies, including air and water pollution, toxic pollution, and global warming.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
There is one short reaction paper based on the readings, plus a research paper on a environmental policy of your choosing. There will be an in-class midterm and a take home final exam.
