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CSC 33985
Seminar Learning Agreement
Immersion Dates: Sunday, October 18 – Friday, October 23, 2009
Location: Washington, D.C.
Classes: Wednesday, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Size: 12 students
Cost: $265 and $75–$100 for D.C. expenses
Application Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 11:59 p.m.
Seminar Director: Cynthia Toms Smedley
Seminar Assistant: Mary Juckett
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, D.C. 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, D.C.
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:
Attendance at and participation in each class is mandatory.
Completion of assigned readings, short reflection papers and a final research paper (4–6 pages).
Participation in all site visits and activities in Washington, D.C.
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 27.
For all students: By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Energy Policy and Social Change Seminar and this Learning Agreement.
All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester.
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
Course Registration
Fees and Expenses
Withdrawal from the Course
Note: Attendance at and participation in all classes is mandatory.
Calendar Fall 2009
| DATE | TIME | EVENT |
| Thursday, August 27 | 11:59 p.m. | Application deadline. |
| Sunday, August 30 | 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. | |
| Wednesday, September 16 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 1: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |
| Wednesday, September 23 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 2: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |
| Wednesday, September 30 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 3: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |
| Wednesday, October 7 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 4: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |
Friday, October 9– Saturday, October 10 |
Attend one or more sessions for the Renewing the Campus Conference (TBD) | |
| Wednesday, October 14 | 10:00 p.m. | Seminar Send-Off Mass Geddes Hall, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel |
| October 18–23 | Immersion | |
| Sunday, October 25 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Debrief Time: Geddes Hall, Andrews Auditorium, B001 |
| Wednesday, October 28 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 5: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |
| Wednesday, November 4 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Class 6: Geddes Hall, Room 135 |