ClassInfo

In this class we will explore energy, technology, environmental issues and the evolving political context and response. We will examine the interplay between technological systems and social systems, trying to better understand how technology has played a key role in both creating and mediating environmental impacts. We will use a diverse set of tools and methodologies to examine energy/environmental systems from many different angles and understand how energy systems work, explore the larger impacts of the energy system and examine implications of technology and policy choice. This will allow us to better evaluate the environmental and social implications of different energy options. By understanding how these issues interact at the local, state, regional, national and international levels we hope that class will be able to understand the global and local forces shaping energy-environment systems.

• Become familiar with different types of environmental regulation and their strengths and weaknesses


• Understand how the special characteristics of particular forms of energy and energy use affect how they are regulated


• Understand basic technical details of energy and environmental harms


• Be able to do simple engineering and financial calculations related to energy


• Practice several methods of communication (writing, presentation, and video) to inform and persuade

10% Participation in class discussion

10% Participation in online discussions

10% Individual "hot topic" presentation

30% Homework: Three problem-sets, two short writing assignments

40% Final Group Presentation, including video and policy-brief (15% presentation, 15% video project, 10% policy brief)