School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy  
 
 
PIR-30129 Environmental Politics in the USA  
Co-ordinator: Prof Christopher Bailey    Room: CBA1.022, Tel:33151  
Teaching Team: Prof Christopher Bailey, Mrs Paula  Hughes, Mrs Julie  Street, Mr Scott  McGowan, Miss Laura  Barcroft, Mrs Diane  Mason  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 3)
American Studies Minor (Level 3)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 3)
International Relations Dual Honours (Level 3)
International Relations Major (Level 3)
International Relations Minor (Level 3)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 3)
Politics Dual Honours (Level 3)
Politics Major (Level 3)
Politics Minor (Level 3)
Politics Single Honours (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
None

Description

The United States has a complex record of addressing environmental problems. Between 1965 and 1980 the country experienced a "golden age" of environmental policymaking when numerous laws were enacted to tackle problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste. Few new laws have been enacted in recent decades, however, leading some commentators to talk about "environmental gridlock" and describing the United States as a climate change "laggard". This module will examine the factors that drive environmental policymaking. Attention will be given to the nature of environmental problems, the role of interest groups and public opinion, and the way that political institutions and systems effect policymaking. Students will be required to write a position paper and a short research paper as part of their assessment, and will also be required to sit a two-hour examination.
Aims
To provide students with an in-depth and systematic understanding of the factors that drive environmental policymaking in the United States. Students will be required to analyse the nature of environmental problems and assess the challenges they pose to policymakers, explain how and why policymakers have responded to these problems in particular ways, and evaluate the success of government policies to address these problems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate the factors which influence environmental policymaking in the United States, including the role of interest groups, political parties, public opinion, and government institutions. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Critically analyse a specific environmental problem and potential solutions. Case studies will include air pollution, water pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. will be achieved by assessments: 1
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of environmental policy in the United States by examining the goals and consequences of government action to address air pollution, water pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Identify and evaluate public opinion data about environmental issues. will be achieved by assessments: 1
Study hours
Seminar contact 20 hours
Examination 2 hours
Preparation for seminars 40 hours
Research and writing of portfolio exercises 60 hours
Preparation for examinations 28 hours
Description of Module Assessment
01: Portfolio weighted 40%
the portfolio will consist of two short (1000 word) written exercises.
The portfolio will consist of two written exercises. Each will contribute 50% of the portfolio mark. The first written exercise will be a "position paper" where students will be asked to write a 1000 word paper providing details of an environment problem, possible solutions, and the likelihood of their adoption. The second written exercise will be a short research paper that will involve the collection and analysis of data (an example is analysing public opinion about a specific environmental problem).
02: Exam weighted 60%
one two-hour unseen examination
Students will answer two questions in two hours. They will have a choice of questions.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.