ENST 250: Environmental Policy Analysis (Spring semester)

Environmental Policy Analysis explores the conceptual foundations and practical challenges of environmental problem-solving with an emphasis on the political, social, and economic factors that impact nature protection efforts globally.   It focuses centrally on critical analysis and problem-solving using a well-established policy analysis framework.   The course draws on case studies from the United States, Mexico, and Colombia among others.  Topics include sustainability, social learning, ecosystem management, working landscapes, problem definition, social process, and social capital..   Readings include: The Policy Process (Clark, 2002) and Contested Nature (Brechin et al., 2003) along with electronic reserve items.   Course requirements comprise two take-home essay exams, a semester-long environmental problem analysis project (2 analytical papers), a project presentation, and in-class participation.

Spring 2007 syllabus pdf format

Fulfills these CLA (common learning agenda) requirements: W2 (Writing course), SOSC (social science), EGSS (engineering social science).

Fulfills these ENST requirements: social science/humanities (list 4)

Prerequisites: none