Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to the underlying theories and constructs that shape environmental and natural resource policy on the global level – with special attention paid to Latin America and Asia. We will develop an understanding of various concepts associated with renewable and non-renewable natural resources, pollution, environmental protection and regulation. The fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with the ability to analyze the interaction of the human population with their surrounding ecosystems and how economic principles can help to govern those influences.

Required Textbook and Reading: 1. Kahn, James R., The Economic Approach to Environmental and Natural Resources, Second Edition, The Dryden Press, 1998. 2. Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Pew Case Studies for Ec 120, Georgetown University. 3. Supplemental Readings; articles and chapters provided periodically by me.

Course Requirements: Two examinations will be administered throughout the course of the semester. One midterm examination worth 25% of the final grade, and one cumulative final examination worth 35% of the final grade. Additionally, four short (two-three page) writing assignments worth 20% (5% each) of the grade are discussed further below. The final 20% of the grade will be comprised of attendance, participation, discussion of the readings and materials presented, and occasional pop quizzes on the reading assignments. No make-up examinations will be given, unless negotiated with me at a prior date. I adhere strictly to University policy in determining legitimate excuses for missing an examination.

"Enviro topics" Papers: Each of the four short papers (2 pages minimum, 3 pages maximum) will be comprised of two parts. The first part will explain and characterize the issue(s) of interest and the second part of the paper will discuss what aspects of the issue are related to environmental economics. Perhaps the paper will link the issue to industry, production, consumption, social welfare or the economy in general, or link the issue to international negotiation or trade, or outline various policy decisions necessary to resolve the issue.
Paper #1 self-chosen, current events, global environmental news article; from magazine, newspaper, or other source
Paper #2 analysis of clean technology case study
Paper #3 analysis of debt-for-nature-swap case study
Paper #4 self-chosen news article; can be extension/follow-up from paper #1 (subsequent/additional news articles required) or a new topic
** If this course is being taken for credit in another major or minor, papers 1 and 4 must adequately reflect the appropriate area of interest. For instance, a student getting credit in both Economics and Asian studies, would be required to write his or her environmental economics topic papers on an environmental issue in Asia.