Armin Rosencranz Spring 2005
Office Hrs. Mon/Wed 3-5 Office: 725-9704
Bldg. 100 Rm 102G Home: 324-3454 EM: armin@stanford.edu (calls are always welcome)
HUM BIO 125
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND LAW
Mon/Wed 1:15-2:45 in Gates 100
A. Overview
In this course, we will examine the role of government and citizens in formulating, implementing and enforcing environmental policy. Using case studies, background readings, law cases and statutes, we will investigate the formal and informal mechanisms involved in controlling pollution and protecting the environment. We will explore the respective roles of the courts, legislatures, and executive agencies in shaping U.S. environmental policy. We will also consider the pros and cons of regulatory and economic approaches to pollution control.
B. Course Responsibilities
Class members will be expected to have completed the week's reading (in time for discussion sections) and be prepared to comment on it in class. Each seminar member will be responsible for one class presentation of about an hour. Discussion groups will be formed and will meet for an hour each week to review and discuss readings. Two research papers of eight pages each will be required. (Research paper guidelines will be distributed in class.) There will be a final take-home problem-set. No formal exams.
C.Required Text
Percival et al., Environmental Regulation: Law, Science and Policy, 4th ed., 2003
D.Weekly Readings and Schedule
There will be approximately 100 pages of reading each week. Discussion groups may divide and jointly review the readings, esp. for longer assignments.
Week 1 Introduction: Environmental Values and Policies
4/4 & 6 Chapter one.
Week 2 Sources of Environmental Law
4/11 &13 Chapter two
general conferences on paper topics: please submit 10 sources for first paper
Week 3 Waste Management and Pollution Prevention I: RCRA and Alternatives to
Conventional Regulatory Approaches
4/18 & 20 Chapter three p. 163-223, and 470-489
Week 4 Waste Management and Pollution Prevention II: CERCLA
4/25 & 27 chapter three p. 223 - 331, skipping 267-283
first paper due (4/27)
Week 5 Regulation of Toxic Substances
5/2 & 4 Chapter four p. 333 to 444, skipping 379-387 and 394-405.
first paper conferences; 10 sources due for second paper
Week 6 Air Pollution Control
5/9 & 11 entire chapter
Week 7 Water Pollution Control
5/16 & 18 entire chapter
Week 8 Environmental Enforcement
5/23 & 25 entire chapter
second paper due
Week 9 NEPA and Conclusion
6/1 NEPA section and concluding chapter
second paper conferences
E. Research and Writing Project
The research papers’ subjects will be of each person's choosing, but should be closely related to one of the topics covered in the seminar. The organization, format, and content of the paper should be similar to a short note in a scholarly journal. The paper should be about 8 double spaced word-processed pages, excluding footnotes. Choose a topic that will engage you in the research and writing.
The paper should trace the development of an issue in environmental policy/law through the various stages in the policy cycle and /or the trial and appellate proceedings. The paper should summarize any current debate or controversy over this area of policy, describe alternative approaches to resolving the issue, and present the writer's rationale for choosing a preferred alternative.
Seminar members will have different degrees of experience with writing a research paper. Less experienced students should connect with Armin early in the quarter to discuss the most effective ways of approaching the research and writing.
F. Communality
The first few minutes of every class meeting will be available for "feedback". Use this time to air any questions or problems. Do not let yourself be intimidated by the material, the instructor or other students. All questions are valid. Frequently, the answer to a question will not be on anyone's fingertips. Armin will make every effort to research a question or problem before the next meeting.
G. Grade Calculation
Research Papers - 25% each
Presentation and participation - 30%
Take-home problem-set - 20%
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