Political Science 5051
Environmental Politics and Administration
Fall 2015
Instructor: Gregg Cawley
Office: 322A Arts & Sciences
Telephone: 766-5345
Email: cawley@uwyo.edu
Office Hours: 11 – 1 T; 12:00 – 2:00 R; and by appointment
Course Description
The intent of this seminar is to approach environmentalism as a political phenomenon.
While our discussions will cover aspects of environmental laws, regulations, etc., these will not
be the primary focus of the course. Instead, we will explore the background factors that
simultaneously make the policies possible and fuel the debates over them. A curious aspect of
environmentalism is that it creates an arena in which virtually all facets of society meet and
interact: sometimes as competing forces; other times as complimentary forces. In consequence,
our conversations over the course of the semester will of necessity be broad, and perhaps lead to
some surprising connections.
In addition, this course will introduce what may be to some of you a non-traditional view
of politics. The more or less traditional approach focuses on politics as a phenomenon of
interests at both an individual and group level. While I don’t really disagree with this approach,
I do think it tends to dodge a rather obvious question: just how do people develop their sense of
interest? The approach we will be using offers some interesting, even useful, answers to this
question. As a hint about this approach, let me offer a proposition: if you live in a democratic
society (or in any event, a society with democratic pretenses), then just about everything has
political implications.
Assigned Texts
Kline, First Along the River;
Brulle, Agency, Democracy, and Nature;
Buell, The Future of Environmental Criticism.
Course Outline
My general intent is to run this course in a seminar format. As such, I will not offer a
tightly scripted outline. There are two keys for a successful seminar, both of which fall on the
shoulders of the students. First, all students need to do the readings in the assigned timeframe;
and second, all students need to come to class prepared to discuss the material. In this regard, I
want you to approach the assigned readings not as textbooks containing ideas, concepts, etc. that
need to be memorized, but rather as discussions about the phenomenon called environmentalism.
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I will keep you posted in class as to where you should be in your readings. You are, of course,
free to read ahead if you like. In addition to the assigned texts, we will be incorporating some
“non-traditional” sources including the internet, movies, etc.
Course Grade
Your final course grade will be determined by your performance in three areas: (1)
regular class attendance (30%); (2) weekly journals (40%); and (3) a final essay (30%). The
class attendance component is self-explanatory, however, I realize that situations do emerge that
might require you to miss class. If you encounter such situations get in touch with me and I’ll
make a judgment about whether or not it will constitute an excused absence. I’m much easier to
deal with if you get in touch with me before missing class than afterwards.
You will submit a brief (2 – 3 pages) journal every week (due by 5 PM on Fridays). The
basic assignment is to react to our seminar discussion, however, I don’t want a summary of the
discussion. You can also use the journals to talk about the readings and current events that strike
you as fitting into our discussions. You don’t have to do research for the journals, and you don’t
have to use formal writing style (footnotes, etc.). I will grade them on what I call a pro-rated
pass/fail basis. I won’t grade each journal entry, but rather the journals as a package. So, if you
turn in all journals you get 40 points toward you final grade. If you turn in fewer than all, you
will get a percentage of the 40 points—you only turn in half the journals, you get 20 points. I
want the journals submitted in electronic format.
The summary essay will be due during finals week. Once again, the summary essay is
not a formal research paper but rather a thought/reflective essay (10 – 15 pages) based on the
material we have covered over the course of the semester. We will discuss this in class.
Other Matters
Academic Dishonesty: The Political Science Department, the University of Wyoming,
and your professor take a very dim view about academic dishonesty. For a definition of
academic dishonesty and the administrative procedures for addressing it go to this site:
http://www.uwyo.edu/generalcounsel/_files/docs/uw-reg-6-802.pdf . Students found guilty of
academic dishonesty in my courses will receive an F for the course.
Special Needs: “It is University of Wyoming policy to accommodate students, faculty,
staff, and visitors with disabilities. If you have a physical, learning, sensory, or psychological
disability and require accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible. You will need to
register with University Disability Support Services (UDSS) in the Student Educational
Opportunity offices, Room 330 Knight Hall, and provide UDSS with documentation of your
disability.”
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