Examines relevant scientific theory and evidence, political history, policy options, alternative policy analysis frameworks, and the influence of science and scientific uncertainty on climate policy.
Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Solving the climate crisis by John J. Berger
Still No Miracles Needed: How Today's Technology Can Save Our Climate and Clean Our Air by Mark Z. Jacobson
Grading Breakdown
Exams: 20% (Midterm: 10%; final 10%)
Presentations: 40% (2xIndividuals: 20%; 2xTeams: 20%)
Final Team Essay + Presentation: 20%
Final Individual Essay + Presentation: 10%
Attendance/Participation in Class: 10%
Grading Scale
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 0-59%
Missed or Late Work:
- Within 24 hours of the original due date: 10% deduction off the final grade
- Between 24-48 hours of the original due date: 20% deduction off the final grade
- Between 24-72 hours of the original due date: 30% deduction off the final grade
- After 72 hours - Zero grade
Attendance and participation are very important as they contribute to the overall learning and enjoyment of the class. Class Attendance includes a physical presence during class and participation. Students are allowed to miss up to three (3) classes but will fail if four (4) or more classes are missed.
Zoom attendance is reserved for emergency cases that must be approved by the instructor before the class.
A prerequisite to participating is showing up. Attendance is taken. Institute-excused absences should be communicated at least 48 hours ahead of time, via email, to the instructor. Commentary and questions that contribute to the in-class discussions and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of assigned readings will make up the second portion of your participation grade.
Final Participation Points = Attendance + Participation
No absences + Participation = 100%
One absence + Participation in others = 90%
Two absences + Participation in others = 80%
Three absences + Participation in others = 70%
Four or more absences = 0%
Georgia Tech aims to cultivate a community based on trust, academic integrity, and honor. Students are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. For information on Georgia Tech's Academic Honor Code, please visit http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/policies/honor-code/ or http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/rules/18/
Any student suspected of cheating or plagiarizing on a quiz, exam, or assignment will be reported to the Office of Student Integrity, who will investigate the incident and identify the appropriate penalty for violations.
Use of GenAI
If you choose to use Generative Artificial Intelligence software (for example ChatGPT, Bard, Microsoft Copilot, etc.) in completing ANY assignments for this class, you must include a proper reference in your work. If you choose to use precise language generated by the software, you must quote it. The reference must include the website and specific prompts used to generate the referenced output.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
• How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Course content, activities, and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
• Intercultural Competence
• Perspective-Taking
• Persuasion