The goal of this assignment is to have students explore two very different interpretations of humankind's relationship with the natural environment.  Students are to read and compare the Easterbrook (The Dance of the Ages) and Ponting (The Shadow of the Past) articles and their vision of the future.

You MUST answer one simple question-Which one is right?  That is, whose vision of the future do you agree with and why.  Students are not limited to the information in the articles in crafting their argument and may draw on any sources they think relevant

Essays must be organized in the following way.  An introduction section that outlines the major themes of the readings.  Part Two should explore in detail one reading and why you think it is right.  Be careful to create a positive argument that supports your analysis-i.e, it is not enough to claim one is wrong, therefore the other must be correct.  Part Three, the conclusion, should include a brief restatement of your major points and  should consider what the reading (based on your interpretation)  adds to our understanding of the "politics of the environment."

Essays must be typed, double-spaced, include a title page, and NO MORE than 6 pages. Essays that flagrantly exceed the maximum length will be penalized at least 5 points. This is an essay assignment. Students will be graded in part (40%) on the quality of writing (sentence structure, spelling, punctuation) and proper citation of all source material. Citations should follow an accepted standard and be uniform throughout the essay.

Due: 19 September

25 Points

Participation in online threaded discussion is required of all students.  It is expected that you will actively engage the posted discussion questions and the comments and ideas of the other students and the instructor.  Initial questions will be posted at the beginning of the week, with additional questions posted as necessary.  This is intended to be a student driven exercise similar to the interactive dynamic of traditional graduate seminar.  You will be evaluated on the substance of your comments and questions, and the degree to which you actively participate.

25 points

Annotated Bibliography

Students are to craft an annotated bibliography on contemporary topic in environmental policy and politics.  It should include 9-10 abstracts of articles from peer-reviewed journals.  The topics are open, but it must not be the same as the topic of your policy project.  That is, bibliography and policy project must be on different subjects.  No Exceptions.

Sample Abstracts

Due: 4 November

20 points

Select an environmental policy area, such as hazardous waste, air pollution, or water quality.  All topics must be approved by the instructor, and no two students will have the same topic.  Project topics must be submitted no later than 18 October.  Topics are accepted on a “first come, first serve” basis.

The assignment is to construct a multi-part policy survey and proposal that examines the major political and policy challenges in a specific area. 

Projects MUST be organized as detailed below. Failure to follow directions will mean an automatic deduction of 10 points. Projects must include page numbers and section headings. In addition, separate topics or issues within sections should be indicated by subheadings.

Projects must be typed, double-spaced, and NO MORE than 10 pages. Projects that flagrantly exceed the maximum length will be penalized at least 5 points. Students will be graded in part (40%) on the quality of writing (sentence structure, spelling, punctuation) and proper citation of all source material. Citations should follow an accepted standard and be uniform throughout the project.


Organization of Project

Title: (your title must include specific reference to the topic). The title should be placed at the top of page one.

Section One: Problem Statement
Approx. 2 pages that outline the major issues and challenges shaping the particular policy area.

Section Two: The Challenge
Approx. 2 pages that explores why it has been and continues to be difficult to effect major policy change.

Section Three: Recommendations
Approx. 2-3 pages that include at least 3 (no more than 5) policy recommendations. These recommendations should offer potential solutions to current management challenges. Recommendations are to be grounded firmly in the literature.

All recommendations must be reasoned, practical, and plausible. A solution to global warming, for example, is not for everyone to ride horses.

DUE: 7 December

30 Points