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.