Ecological and Environmental Economics


REVISED

Fall 2015 quarter

Taught by

political science and economics

This advanced social science program examines the methods and applications of ecological and environmental economics for environmental problem solving. The major goal of the program is to make students familiar and comfortable with the methodologies, language, concepts, models, and applications of ecological and environmental economic analysis. The program does not assume an extensive background in economics; therefore it begins by quickly reviewing selected micro economic principles.  We will study the models used in natural resource management, pollution control approaches, and sustainability as an empirical criterion in policy development. We will explore externalities, market failure and inter-generational equity in depth. Examples of case studies we will evaluate include: natural resources in the Pacific Northwest; management and restoration of the Pacific Salmon stocks and other marine resources; energy issues including traditional, alternative, and emerging impacts from hydraulic fracturing (fracking), oil trains and climate change; selected issues of environmental law; wetland and critical areas protection and mitigation; and emerging threats such as ocean acidification and low oxygen zones. We also will develop a detailed consideration of the theory and practice of benefit cost analysis. The program concludes by critically evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of using ecological and environmental economics to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Program activities include lectures, seminars, research and methods workshops, field trips, quizzes, exams, and a research assignment.

Program Details

Fields of Study

Preparatory for studies or careers in

Public Sector :  federal, state and local government agencies involved in environmental protection; natural resource management; land use planning-critical areas management and public policy.  Private Sector : work in business firms, natural resources firms; environmental consulting firms; environmental assessment firms and other firms that must deal with environmental laws and regulations in their normal business operations.  This is an excellent program to take as preparation for the Political Ecology of Land program offered in Winter and Spring quarters 2016.

Location and Schedule

Campus location

Olympia

Schedule

Offered during: Day

Advertised schedule: Field trips will be scheduled for Thursdays, 9am to 5pm

Books

Buy books for this program through Greener Bookstore.

Online Learning

No Required Online Learning: No access to web tools required. Any web tools provided are optional for students.

May be offered again in

Spring 2017

Revisions

Date Revision
May 8th, 2015 New fall opportunity added.

Registration Information

Credits: 16 (Fall)

Class standing: Junior–Senior

Maximum enrollment: 25

Fall

Conditions

Lower Division students interested must have faculty signature for enrollment.

Course Reference Numbers

Jr - Sr (16 credits): 10296
Sr (1-16 credits): 10521

Go to my.evergreen.edu to register for this program.

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