Public Administration 81-391/591
Environment and Energy Management
Spring Semester, 2010
Political Science Department
University Wisconsin-Oshkosh
James R. Simmoms
418 Clow Faculty
Phone #: 424-7165
Course Description
This course will introduce students to the growing fields of environmental policy and
energy management. It will examine the development of the environment as a major
political issue as well as provide background materials, theoretical perspectives and
conceptual schema covering ecological concerns. We will discuss and debate specific
environmental controversies such as air pollution, water quality, waste disposal, land use,
resource management and many other contentious issues. We will than attempt to
determine which strategic programs and social responses are best suited for resolving the
multiple problems created by these issues in the local, national and international arena.
Finally, we will propose and project a comprehensive agenda with clear action items
directed at the development of a more sustainable future both locally and globally.
Required Readings
Humphrey, Craig et al (2006). Environment, Energy and Society.
Gerdes, Louise. (2009). The Environment: Opposing Viewpoints.
Rosenbaum, Walter (2007). Environmental Politics and Policy.
Outline and Readings
Topics:
Readings:
Humphrey
Sadler
Rosenbaum
1) Clashing Perspectives
1
Intro
1
2) Concepts and Principles
2
1 (1-2)
2
Topics:
3) Environmental Politics
Readings:
Humphrey
Sadler
3
1 (3-4)
3
2 (1-2)
4
2 (5-6)
5
3 (1-2)
6
4) Administrative Setting
5) Public Reactions to Risk
4
6) Air and Water Quality
7) Mid-Term Examination
Rosenbaum
Review lectures & readings
8) Toxics and Waste Issues
5
2 (3-4)
7
9) Energy Consumption
6
3 (1-2)
8
10) Land and Resource Use
7
3 (5-6)
9
11) Sustainable Growth?
8
4 (1-2)
10
12) Class Presentations
Field project reports 4 (3-4)
13) Class Presentations
Field project reports
14) Final Examination
Review lectures & readings
Performance Evaluation
1) Two Exams (50%): Multiple choice, short answers, identification questions and
essays may be included. Test dates will be announced in class at least one
week in advance of the examination. The final will not be cumulative.
2) Field Project (30%): Individuals or teams of classmates will undertake a study
of a critical Fox Valley environmental issue. Project grades will be based upon the
combination of an in-class oral presentation, a university poster display and a 1012 page findings summary with extensive documentation (news stories, articles,
references, interviews, laws, reports, etc).
* Note: Graduate students will be expected to write a 20 to 25 page paper on
their field project. This research is expected to be qualitatively superior to
the work of regular undergraduates and will be more rigorously evaluated.
3) Participation (20%): This portion of the final grade will be based on weekly
class discussions, participation in debates over contemporary issues and the
presentation of your research project's findings.
COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING: A community service-learning component is
available and highly recommended in this course. It is worth one additional credit and
will require 1-2 hours per week during the 14-week semester. Further information
detailing the procedures for receiving your placement and academic credit will be
provided. A comparative review of two recent scholarly books (not on your paper topic
and jointly chosen by you and me) is available to those unable to participate in service
learning. Descriptions of the written and oral reports required for both service learning
and the alternative assignment follow the course outline.