Recommended preparation for success in the course:
There are no formal course prerequisites for the class. However, some general geography background gleaned from such courses as Geog 123, Geog 205, and
Geog 207 would be beneficial. Interest in and background reading in natural resource history,
introductory biology/ecology, energy, climate science
and economics would be helpful and useful; but the lectures will be given and topics discussed assuming no such general student background
education and training.
General nature of assignments:
There will be two major types of assignments
used inside and/or outside the classroom:
1) assigned readings, and 2) in-class group
exercises/debates/discussions.
Basis on which grades are assigned (tentative
depending on group project or not):
Grading will be based upon four different components: (1) a
take-home essay exam (30% of grade) due at beginning of the
class on May 12, (2) a set of graded Benefit/Cost – Cost Effectiveness exercises (10%) due on May 14, (3) class participation involving
discussions, and two group process activities (a
Cognitive Conceptual Content Mapping (3CM) activity and an 8-Sector CO2 Stabilization Wedge activity (combined total worth 20% of
grade), and (4) a final essay exam (40% of grade) due on or
before 5 PM on Wednesday, June 11.
The two take-home exams will be given based
on assigned readings and lecture materials. The first essay exam with have a
4-page limit and the final essay exam will have a 6-page
limit and both essay exams will have a choice of responding to one of two questions. The potential questions will be handed out approximately
five days prior to their due dates and will include
point evaluation schemes.