This course will examine current environmental issues, attempt to understand the role of governments, organizations and individuals take in responding to the environmental dilemma.
Terms Offered
Spring 2022
Spring 2024
Course Details
This course is an introduction to environmental politics. We will examine current environmental issues, attempt to understand the roles of governments, organizations and individuals take in responding to the environmental dilemma. We will look at environmental policymaking including the guiding principles that inform environmental policies, and the different tools available to policymakers to address these challenges. Special emphasis on political representation, environmental justice domestically and internationally. We will also explore case studies on various countries, and how historical and contemporary political institutions, and natural resource wealth shape environmental concerns. Upon completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of approaches to managing the environment, the socio-political and economic actors and other interests that compete for power in the policymaking process.
Number of credits: 3
How You Will Learn and Work
This is a Global Classrooms Connections Course.
Cultural Connection
World-wide
General Education Credits
Distributive Studies-Scholarship in Practice
School/College
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Prerequisites & Restrictions
None
Faculty Highlight
Conny Kazungu Sigel
Conny grew up in Kenya, developing interests in International Relations and Environmental Politics, due to personal experiences with terrorist attacks and climate change in her hometown. She has a diverse academic background including a Master's Degree in environmental sciences from Miami University, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
While at Miami, Conny focused on Environmental Policy and the role of interest groups in the policymaking process. She worked extensively at the grassroots level, educating local communities on the importance of wetland restoration projects.
While at Tennessee, in the Global Security Program, she engaged in various research and policy projects in conjunction with government agencies (the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense) including conflict stabilization, aiming to train mediation practices in international war zones.
Conny's research interests include causes for rising terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S.-led counterterrorism policies in that region, conflict and territorial disputes in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.
Conny serves as the Faculty Advisor for the Environmental Science & Policy Program, overseeing the Politics & Policy (P&P) concentration. She also teaches classes in International Relations & National Security, Environmental Policy & Politics, and Public Policy.
Faculty Highlight
Allison Berland
Allison Berland is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Government and Politics.
Tuition & Scholarship
Course costs should be calculated based on the university’s standard tuition and fees for undergraduate students and graduate students.
Students enrolled in winter and summer Global Classrooms courses may be eligible for the International Education Scholarship.
Cancellation and Refunds
Global Classrooms courses follow UMD's Schedule Adjustment policies.
Questions & Contact Info
For more course information contact Conny Kazungu Sigel at ckazungu@umd.edu, or Allison Berland at aberland@umd.edu.
For general questions, please contact the Global Classrooms team at globalclassrooms@umd.edu.