
Home > Academic Courses and Programs > Fall Break Seminars> Energy Policy, Environment and Social Change
CSC 33985
Seminar Learning Agreement
Immersion Dates and Location: Sunday, October 19 - Saturday, October 25, 2008; Washington, DC
Size: 12 students
Cost: $250 and $75 - $100 for DC expenses
Application Deadline: Thurs., Aug. 28, 2008
Application: (the online application will be availible later this summer)
Course Instructor: Alex Chapeaux
Seminar Director: Angela Miller McGraw
Overview
The course will introduce students to the scientific, environmental, economic, geopolitical, and social implications of current energy technologies through selected readings, writing assignments, class lectures and discussions, and a week-long immersion in Washington, DC. Then, students will learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of alternative energy technologies (wind, solar, geothermal, fuel cells, ethanol, improving fossil fuel utilization, etc…), and of the various policies and economics surrounding energy. During the week in Washington, DC students will identify the limitations of current energy policies and environmental regulation through visits to industry lobbying groups, policy makers and government officials, environmental organizations, and federal regulatory bodies. Finally, students will begin to understand the relationship between energy consumption and environmental ethics, especially as understood in Catholic social tradition.
Course Objectives:
To introduce students to the scientific, environmental, economic, geopolitical, and social implications of current energy technologies.
To engage students in reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of the technology, policies, and economics in order to improve the state of energy use.
To offer a practical, hands-on view of energy policy and regulations through site visits in Washington, DC.
To reflect on the relationship between energy production, consumption and environmental and social consequences, especially as understood in Catholic social tradition.
Course Requirements
This Seminar is a one credit course, graded "S" or "U," in the Center for Social Concerns (CSC 33985). The following requirements are expected:
Participation in four classes prior to the immersion and one follow-up class.
Completion of assigned readings, short reflection papers and a final research paper (4-6 pages).
Participation in all site visits and activities in Washington, DC.
Completion of all course evaluations requested by the Seminar Director.
**PLEASE NOTE** Please check your class schedule to see if you have departmental exams that might conflict with this Seminar's class schedule. If so, please contact your instructor to request an alternative exam time.
Application Process
Online applications are due Thursday, August 28th (the online application will be availible later this summer).
Saint Mary's College students must contact Sally Burns.
By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Energy Policy and Social Change Seminar.
All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester (Sunday, August 31, 2008). If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive a single email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate, and the name of the seminar you will be taking part in.
Criteria For Selection
The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. The primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar
We have a limited number of spots available. Students who submit their application later than others may be placed on a wait list. Preference will be given to upper class students who may have fewer opportunities to participate in the future.
Course Registration
Fees and Expenses
***Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Sally Burns.
Withdrawal from the Course
Calendar Fall 2008
Thurs., Aug. 28
Online application deadline (the online application will be availible later this summer).
Sun., Aug. 31
Acceptance confirmed by email. If you apply to more than one seminar, you will receive ONE email for the seminar you have been admitted into.
Wed., Sept 3
Last date to register. You must register with ND's online system and/or complete all registration forms by midnight.
Fri., Sept. 5
Final day to withdraw from course without penalty of being charged full fee.
Wed., Sept 17
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class I 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140
Wed., Sept 24
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class II 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140
Wed., Oct 1
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class III 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140
Wed., Oct 8
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class IV 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140
Wed., Oct 15
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class V 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140
Thurs., Oct 16
Seminar Send-Off Mass
Sun., Oct. 19
Students leave for Washington: Departure time and location TBD
Sat., Oct. 25
Students return to ND late in the afternoon/evening.
Tues., Nov 5
REQUIRED: EPE&SC Seminar Class VI 5:30-6:30 pm. Center for Social Concerns Rm. 140