University of Idaho

Politics of the Environment - POLS 564

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©2003 Patrick Wilson
  All rights reserved.

  University of Idaho

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2005

This course examines the complex, multi-faceted issues and institutional structures that shape environmental politics in the United States.  The first section explores the political and philosophical context of contemporary environmental issues.  The second section considers the role of various institutional actors in environmental policymaking.  The final section surveys topics in contemporary environmental politics, including global issues and questions, environmental justice, and the future of American environmentalism.

Texts  

Vig and Kraft, ed., Environmental Policy: New Directions for the 21st Century, 5th Ed.
Speth, Red Sky at Morning: America and the Global Environmental Crisis

Requirements

This course is web-only and there are no scheduled class times.  Course content is available on-line only and includes web-lectures, discussion, and interactive materials.  The course follows the University calendar for Fall semester and there are no exceptions (i.e., the course begins in August and ends in December and students must adhere to the course schedule).

The final grade will be based on a comparative essay, annotated bibliography, policy project, and participation in required on-line discussions.  Assignments are due on the designated day and by the designated time (see assignment page for details).  Late assignments are NOT accepted.  Exceptions may be granted only in special circumstances (e.g., medical emergency), and require written notification to the instructor from the College of Graduate Studies.

The instructor reserves the right to adjust upward the final grade of those students who demonstrate substantial improvement in their work over the term of the course. 

 

 

Schedule in Brief

Explaining Environmental Politics

1. The Environment as Policy Issue

2. Thinking About the Environment

3. Sustainability 

4. The Past and Present of Environmental Politics 

Actors and Institutions

5. The Role of Government

6. Politics, Risk, and Science 

7. Congress, President, and Environmental Policy 

8. The Judiciary and Environmental Policy 

9. Environmental Regulation 

10. Environmental Federalism 

11. Business and the Environment 

Topics in Environmental Policy

12. Global Issues 

13. Religion and the Environment 

14. Environmental Justice 

15. Environmental Politics in the Future 

 

Essay Assignment

25  points

Annotated Bibliography

20 points

Policy Project 

30 points

Participation

25 points  

100 total points

Final grades will be determined as follows:

90-100  points

A

80-89     

B

70-79

C

55-69

D

0-54

F