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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EC 380"
COURSE NAME: "Environmental Economics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Colazingari Marco
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 16:30-17:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: EC 201, EC 202
OFFICE HOURS: After class or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to give the students an understanding of the main global problems concerning the environment, and to equipe them with the economic tools to analyze policies concerning water and air pollution, energy, climate change, and human health issues.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course uses the economic methods and approaches problems from an economic perspective; however insights from other disciplines such as natural science and politics will also be present.

This course combines theoretical analysis with discussions on specific topics, giving the students a basic scientific approach to present large-scale problems such as:
 - sustainable development;
 - international cooperation;
 - challenges posed by renewables to our present energy system;
 - renewable energies state-of-the-art production technology.

The theory of externalities and market failure will provide the basis for applying economic concepts to the study of problems with environmental dimensions. 

Criteria and strategies used in implementing environmental policies will be examined with respect to both air and water.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to understand the basic concept of Environmental Economics, the related global problems, and the international cooperation system. They will learn how to apply critically the economic tools to the environmental dimension, and how to tackle the problems arising from the allocation of natural resources.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Environmental and Natural Resource EconomicsTom Tietenberg and Lynne LewisPearson Education10: 0321560469      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm Test 1 25%
Midterm Test 2 25%
Presentation 20%
Final Test 30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A: Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B: This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C: This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D: This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance to the course IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

W1. Understanding the Environment: Atmosphere, Chemistry and Pollutants

W2. Property Rights, Externalities, and Environmental Problems

W3. Valuing the Environment: Concepts and Methods

W4. Review and Midterm Test 1

W5. Sustainable Development

W6. The Population Problem

W7. The Allocation of Depletable and Renewable Resources

W8. Non-recyclable Energy Resources and Renewable Energy

W9. Review and Midterm Test 2

W10. Common-Pool Resources

W11. Marine Natural Resources

W12.  International Cooperation

W13. PRESENTATIONS

W14.Review and Final Exam