Spring 2017  |  PA 5715 Section 001: Survey of Current Issues in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (55357)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
1.5 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 15
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Current topics in science, technology, and environmental policy. prereq: Grad or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelle644+PA5715+Spring2017
Class Description:
This class is run as a guided book club with students regularly taking responsibility for leading the discussion of the assigned book. It is a seminar style rather than a lecture class. The policy-related subjects we are likely to cover in Spring 2016 are social psychology and neuroscience, chemicals of emerging concern, climate change, environmental justice, information and communications technology, and food. For example, the lead book will be The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. For some sessions, we will have guests who may give short presentations but will then engage in discussion with the class. The goals for students are that you will: Gain an understanding of current "hot" topics in science, technology and environmental policy; develop critical thinking skills; develop facilitation and discussion skills; understand the social and historical contexts of current issues; and become a discerning participant/observer in science, technology and environmental policy. Evaluations are based on short papers and class participation.
Learning Objectives:
The objective of this course is to explore current topics at the interface of science, technology and public policy. Specific learning objectives for students include gaining an understanding of current "hot" topics in science, technology and environmental policy; developing critical thinking skills; developing oral presentation and discussion skills; and understanding the social and historical contexts that have led to the current topics. The class will be taught in a seminar style, with the expectation that there will be significant student participation, including students conducting discussion.
Gain an understanding of current "hot" topics in science, technology and environmental policy;
 Develop critical thinking skills;
 Develop oral presentation and discussion skills;
 Understand the social and historical contexts; and
 Become a discerning participant/observer in science, technology and environmental policy.
Grading:
30% overall participation
10% class group facilitation
60% essays
Class Format:
The course is structured in six modules of two class sessions, with an introductory session and two synthesis sessions in addition to the modules. Each module is centered on a single book which students will be asked to read in its entirety by the first session of the module. Students will be assigned to groups and asked to lead the discussion in the first session of each module. Students will write brief reflections on each book for the first session of each module.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55357/1173
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kelle644_PA5715_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kelle644_PA5715_Spring2016.pdf (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 February 2017

ClassInfo Links - Spring 2017 Public Affairs Classes

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