GEOS 241
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
Catalog Entry
GEOS 241. Environmental Regulation (SS)
Three hours lecture(3).
Prerequisites: GEOG 140 or permission of instructor.
Review of pertinent U.S. and international environmental laws and regulations, of the various theoretical explanations for the design and implementation of environmental policy, and of the principle analytic tools that inform the creation and enforcement of such laws and regulations.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course concerns itself with three questions: What forces within the United States lead to the creation and implementation of social regulation in general, and environmental regulation in particular; what environmental laws and regulations have emerged in the last 40 years as a consequence of these forces; and what--from differing viewpoints--are the strengths and weaknesses of these regulations? Within the treatment of each topic, analytic tools particular to the design and evaluation of regulation are examined.
Detailed description of the Conduct of the Course
The course functions principally as a lecture course. Opportunity is frequently created for student discussion and feedback, and students often are divided into smaller groups for discussion on controversial or provocative points of environmental policy.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students enrolled in the course gain insights into the history, mechanics, and contemporary politics and organizations of environmental regulation. Students leave the course with a well-developed understanding of:
(1) the dominant laws and regulations that shape the United States' legal landscape
within which environmental professionals function; and
(2) the major analytic tools employed within the regulatory arena. Upon completion
of the course, students are better equipped to pursue a career or graduate study in
environmental regulation and policy.
Assessment Measures
A final exam, two in-class exams, and short writing assignments are employed to assess student mastery over the material.
Other Course Information
NONE.
APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
09/28/01 Reviewed Bernd H. Kuennecke
February, 2010