Analyzes policy implications of Internet architecture (Internet protocols, domain name system, packet switching, peer-to-peer) and surveys policy issues about content, privacy, intellectual property, and governance.

Investigation of the principal environmental laws and regulations. The class will also consider philosophical and ethical underpinnings of environmental law.

Examines relevant scientific theory and evidence, political history, policy options, alternative policy analysis frameworks, and the influence of science and scientific uncertainity on climate policy.

Presents the legal and institutional framework within which environmental law is developed and implemented in the in the United States and internationally. Also examines the major pollution control statutes, and reviews international law and conventions to address trans-boundary environmental issues.

Doctoral Thesis

Regardless of your year or major, on Monday nights from 5-8 p.m; and for approximately 6-9 additional hours each week, you will be asked to think and act like a corporate environmental sustainability manager or environmental consultant. The work output you will create this semester will be more like what you would be expected to create in the ‘real world’ than what you are typically asked to produce in an academic setting. 

Much like the ‘real world,’ in this course you will be judged on your performance as an individual, your cooperation/collaboration with teams, and your communication skills as you demonstrate them in class. Furthermore, over the course of the semester you will have the opportunity to develop strong presenting skills, learning how to make a meaningful contribution to the field of sustainability. Also, like in the real world, there will be hard work and good fun!