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GEOG 340
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
- Catalog Entry
GEOG 340. International Environmental Problems. (SS)
Three hours lecture(3). Prerequisites: GEOG 140 Overview of international environmental problems: Climate change, energy use, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, poverty and trade, population growth, industrial policy. Discussion of appropriate U.S. and international policy responses.
- Detailed Description of Content of Course
Because environmental problems are typically complex in nature, transnational in scope, and intergenerational in impact, this course focuses on the genesis and politics of environmental ills from an international perspective. Environmental problems driven by the actions of more than one country, or problems whose resolution requires cooperation among nations, are of special concern to this course. Such problems include global climate change, ozone depletion, tropical deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and international flows of nuclear and other toxic waste. International economic policies and patterns that underlie such problems and the actions of international agencies attempting to resolve these ills are also discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on economic and political forces leading to current global environmental problems, and on the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of these problems.
- Detailed Description of the Conduct of the Course
Since this course is targeted at upper-division students, it functions as a seminar course, with some lecturing by the instructor. Readings are assigned for discussion; student generated and led discussion on these readings anchors the course. On occasion, a more conventional lecture format is employed, especially when basic conceptual tools and definitions must be quickly shared with students.
- Goals and Objectives of the Course
The course endeavors to place students at or near the forefront of discussion and debate about the "sustainable development" of the world's natural resources. This debate revolves around an analysis of a variety of global environmental problems and a number of suggested solutions. Upon leaving the course, students understand the environmental science of a variety of international environmental problems. They grasp how international processes of economics and politics interact with the biosphere to generate these problems. They understand how the resolution of these problems depends upon both national and international initiatives. And they are acquainted with current examples of both types of initiatives.
- Assessment Measures
A final exam, two in-class exams, and three to five "environmental policy papers" constitute the workload in this class. The exams assess student command of the ideas and readings reviewed in the course. The "policy papers" ask students to review the cause(s) and cure(s) of an array of international environmental problems from environmental science and international political-economy perspectives.
- Other Course Information
NONE.
- APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
September 2005 Reviewed Bernd H. Kuennecke |