Energy Policy, Environment, and Social Change Seminar

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:

1. Attendance at and participation in each class is mandatory.

2. Completion of assigned readings, short reflection papers and a final research paper (4–6 pages).

3. Participation in all site visits and activities in Washington, D.C.

4. 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.

• Saint Mary’s College students are eligible to apply for participation in CSC seminars. As with participation in other Notre Dame classes, you must first fill out the SMC at ND CoExchange Form (under "CoExchange Information"). This must be done before applying. Fill out the CoExchange Form for fall 2009 now, even if you have taken a class at ND before, are not sure what class you will take, or whether or not you will take one. This form does not commit you to taking a class, but it will establish your Notre Dame Net ID (sent to you in an email), which you will need to log on to the seminar application. It will also give you the date/time to register if you do apply and are accepted. For questions contact Mary Juckett.

• 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

• You will receive email notification on a) whether you have been selected to participate in a seminar and b) which seminar you have been selected to participate in (this circumstance applies if you have applied to more than one seminar) by Sunday, August 31. Subsequently, the course instructor will email instructions for course registration, and you will need to register by 4:00 p.m. September 2, 2009.
• Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours (Maximum Hours Exceeded) allowed by your College. The assistant deans of your college will be able to grant special approval. Contact Mary Juckett at the Center for Social Concerns if you have a class time conflict.

Fees and Expenses

• The cost of the seminar is $265.  This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts after September 5th.  This fee contributes to van rental, housing, site fees, building materials, gas, tolls, and food.  Personal expenses are the responsibility of each student.  Students will be responsible for their meals while they travel to and from the site and for metro charges.  An additional $75–$100 should cover these expenses.
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Mary Juckett.

• If you are accepted and you decide not to participate in the seminar after September 2, your student account will be billed the full $265.

Withdrawal from the Course

• Please notify the Seminar Director by email if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar. 

Note: Attendance at and participation in all classes is mandatory.

Calendar Fall 2009