Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Explores contemporary understandings and practical implications of the idea of sustainable development. Investigates the meanings and measures that different groups have given to "sustainable development;" scientific understanding of the complex social-environmental systems we seek to develop sustainably; and lessons on how societies have avoided the "tragedy of the commons" while instituting practical action that advances sustainable development effectively and equitably. Employs case studies in development to meet needs for energy, food, water and health.

An introduction to the history, organization, goals, and ideals of environmental protection in America. Examines the shifts in emphasis from nature protection to pollution control to sustainability over the past hundred years and develops critical tools to analyze changing conceptions of nature and the role of science in environmental policy formulation. Of central interest is the relationship between knowledge, uncertainty, and political or legal action. Theoretical approaches are combined with case studies of major episodes and controversies in environmental protection.

Conservation biology strives to describe, understand, and preserve biodiversity by applying ecological and evolutionary theory within the contexts of resource management, economics, sociology, and political science. This course will explore the motivations and tools used for preserving biodiversity with a focus on coastal and marine ecosystems. Case studies will include major contemporary issues in conservation biology such as endangered species protection and reintroduction, over-harvesting of marine resources, and marine spatial planning. Students will be challenged to answer: How can we restore New England's coastal ecosystems?

The seminar will provide a historical perspective on the development of the Chinese economy with emphasis on the energy sector, including analysis of related environmental problems. Energy options available for China's future will be discussed, including opportunities for clean-coal technology, nuclear, wind, hydro, and biofuels. The seminar will discuss tradeoffs implicit in these choices with respect to reconciling competing goals for environmental protection and economic development.

Energy is the lifeblood of economic activity, and there is little prospect of this changing. However, the planet's stores of easily accessed fossil fuels are limited, and the climatological cost of continuing to rely on fossil fuels is high. This course examines the long run and short run prospects for renewable energy. We start by understanding the technology of hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. We then examine the economics of these technologies, and how subsidies and taxes affect their viability. Special attention will be paid to the interaction of technology, economics, and public policy.

What level of environmental protection is best? Stronger regulations provide greater protection against the target harm, but generally at the cost of reduced economic consumption or increases in other environmental harms. What principles can be used to determine the `right' level of protection, and how can regulations be evaluated? This course provides an introduction to environmental risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis of environmental regulation, incorporating theory and case studies.

Supervised reading and research on topics not covered by regular courses of instruction. Students must complete a registration form, including permission from their faculty sponsor, with the concentration office before course enrollment. A final paper describing the research/reading completed during the term is due in duplicate to the Head Tutor on the first day of reading period.