NTRES 4301

Environmental Policy Processes I

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

Intensive field-based exploration of the environmental policy process and its conceptual framework. Focuses on defining environmental problems; aggregating interests; agenda-setting; formulating and selecting alternative solutions; implementation and evaluation stages; and roles of lobbyists, the legislative, executive, judicial branches of government, and other actors. Discussion with policy makers as guest panelists. Research topic requires conducting independent interviews with Washington experts, policy analysis paper, and oral presentation.

When Offered Multi-semester course (Winter).

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: junior, senior, or grad student standing.

Comments Course fee 4301: approximately $700-800 for lodging and use of facilities at the Wolpe Cornell Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to this ten-day seminar in Washington, D.C. (January 2-12, 2019), there are required preparation meetings in Ithaca during November and December. Students must enroll in both NTRES 4300 and NTRES 4301 to receive a final grade. Admission by special application process only. Completed applications due mid-October. Course information and application available at: https://dnr.cals.cornell.edu/undergraduate/ntres-4300-environmental-and-natural-resources-policy-processes.

• Describe a theoretical framework for policy development and implementation.
• Describe, in both oral and written formats, specific examples of policy development and implementation and how they differ from theoretical frameworks.
• Critically discuss how the outcomes of policy development are influenced by broader historical, economic, and social contexts.
• Identify the specific ways in which various actors enter and influence the policy process.
• Describe and critically discuss the role that scientific understanding and information plays in the development and implementation of policy.

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