POLS 496: American Politics, Science, and Climate Change (3 credits)

Professor Glen Sussman
BAL 3068
Monday and Wednesday, 3-4:15 pm

Professor's Office:  BAL 7034
Professor's Office Hours:  Monday and Wednesday, 1-2:30 pm  or by appointment  

A warming of the planet and the resulting change in climate patterns have become major global environmental issues in the twenty-first century.  However, while the scientific community has shown that human activities are largely responsible for greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming, lawmakers in the United States have been unable and/or unwilling to craft viable legislation to address the problem. 

This course will examine the science of climate change and then focus on key political actors and how they have responded to this global environmental challenge.  While the primary focus of this course is on the United States, attentiion will also be given to international diplomacy, policy trends and increasingly serious climate changes including sea level rise among others.

Course Goals

• Understand the theories, concepts, participants, and institutional arrangements associated with American politics and climate change
• Improve descriptive and analytical skills
• Improve writing skills
• Improve verbal communication skills
• At the conclusion of the course, students should have a better understanding of American politics, science, and climate change.

Course Requirements

• Two Exams.  The exams will consist of short answer and essay questions. See section on "Evaluation."
• Research Paper.  See section on the "Research Paper."
• Roundtables. See section on "Roundtables."
• Participation in class discussions.

Course Expectations

• Come to class (on time) and read the assigned readings before class
• Do not be disruptive during class (e.g., talking, arriving late, texting). Smart phones must be turned off during exams (of course, you can put them on vibrate for emergencies). Violation of this class policy (3 times) will result in a half-stop reduction in your final grade (e.g., an A- becomes a B+). You have been warned!
• While I encourage student participation in class, be civil and treat the other students with respect.
• Laugh at my jokes.  In fact, I encourage it.

Course Announcements

• Honor Code and Code of Student Conduct: Students should be mindful of the Honor Code and the code of student conduct. See the University catalog, pp. 15-20.
  
• Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Be mindful of the University policy on this matter in the University catalog, pp. 12-13, 21.
  
• Accomodation of Students with Disabilities: If you need assistance, classroom accomodations will be provided. Consult with your instructor at the beginning of the semester. See the University catalog, pp. 7-8.

E-mail Communication 

Students are required to use their ODU e-mail account when communicating with the instructor.

Course Evaluation/Student Opinion Surveys

Student course evaluations are conducted online.  You will receive reminders from the university near the end of the semester encouraging you to complete evaluations of your courses. Student course evaluations are very helpful to the instructors, the college, and the university. Your instructor strongly encourages you to take a few minutes and complete your evaluation of your courses each semester.