ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS

Political Science 195 - Winter 2004-05

MWF; 9:50-11:10; Libr 225

Dr. Clemons                            Hours: MWF 11:15 -11:55            

Office: 119 Preston                  T-Th   10:00 -12:00

Phone: 824-2358                     rclemons@mercyhurst.edu

You are also invited to just stop by; or to make an appointment so that I will be both in, and available, when you come by.

INTRODUCTION

Politics is about power and resolving the tensions and value conflict inherent in deciding who makes the rules, how   rules are   made and enforced, who gets what share of the “goods” and who bears the costs (i.e. the “bads”).   This class (like our department’s environmental politics concentration in general) is premised on the belief that environmental problems are ultimately political conflicts.  

The origin of most environmental problems is human interaction and the resolution of those situations (for good or for ill) depends on human interaction. In fact, one of the ironies of environmental degradation is that it seems to be a by-product of the incredible success of our political (and economic) institutions. In This Thing of Barkness (1994), Dr. James Aho argues that “the industrialized democracies of the civilized West with their scientific bureaucracies....constitute the gravest threat to life on earth today.   Furthermore, far from being accidental deviations from or obstacles to modernization, human and environmental death alike appear somehow inextricably bound up with it” (p. 9).

Part of the conflict in environmental politics is no doubt fueled by the fact that these problems implicitly or explicitly challenge the wisdom and legitimacy of our whole political, economic, and philosophical system; indeed, sometimes they question the idea of modernization as a positive thing.

While the realities of physical science and technical know-how are crucial; environmental problems are ultimately political problems.   Philosophy, ethics, economics, etc. are all important, but primarily as they affect the political process. Power and economic inequalities, political institutions, intergovernmental relations, policy processes, the Dominant Social Paradigm - DSP (including the level and scope of reification), and the particular players on the scene are really the factors that matter most.

For example, even if we could all agree on the reality of global warming, its causes, and appropriate technical solutions to that problem; it would not mean the problem would be addressed, let alone resolved.     

This class focuses only partially on the substance of environmental issues, and primarily on the public policy process, and on the skill, tactics, and factors that influence the outcomes of that process. As Zachary Smith might say, we need to understand the cause of the “environmental policy paradox.”

The skills that will allow you to most influence environmental policy (in the U.S. or in the global arena) in the next century are knowing what questions to ask relative to the policy process and understanding which tactics to use in which situations (e.g. writing letters, organizing a new group, nonviolent resistance, monkey-wrenching).   As Michael Kraft (19996) has written “The challenge to environmental and other groups concerned about these issues is to raise their salience through public education and political activism, and to develop the skills of the successful policy entrepreneur that help to translate scientific knowledge and diffuse public concern about environmental problems into public policy” (p. 59).

Moreover, the lessons learned in this class are not limited to those interested in environmental politics. Knowledge of, and skills relative to, the public policy process is crucial if you want to affect policy relative to ANY issue. As some of you have heard me argue before, it is not enough to want to do good, you must know how.   That is the focus of this class.   If you will help,   this class will also be intriguing, enjoyable, and fun.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Edward Abbey, The Monkey Wrench Gang , 1975.   This famous environmental novel is both scandalous and dangerous. It is a tribute to Luddites, a vicarious high for those who secretly idealize ecoterrorists, and a thoroughly fun book written by the #1 cow-hater in the world.   I apologize ahead of time for some of the language, for Abbey’s sometimes chauvinist views; and, as Richard Bradford wrote, “what the Monkey Wrench Gang does is outrageous, un-American and inimical to the sacred concept of property, and I thoroughly condemn them.”   You will read this before and/or during the Christmas Break, and we will have our primary discussion of it on Jan. 10 th . Your review is due in class on Jan. 7 th .

Zachary A. Smith, The Environmental Policy Paradox , 4th Edition, 2004.   This text “examines environmental policy in the United States in air, water, land use, agriculture, energy, waste disposal, and other areas, and, in so doing, provides an introduction to the policy-making process in the United States” (xi). It is our only true “text” this term.

Hank Fischer, Wolf Wars , 1995.   This book is as interesting as it is valuable.   The lessons of how policy is really made are easy to absorb. It is, simply, a wonderful case study. The author was heavily involved in the restoration of wolves into Yellowstone, and the success of that long effort depended on his, and others, politicial acumen. It is also extremely relevant to the simulation experience that is a key part of this course.   ‘Nuff said.

Si Kahn, Organizing: A Guide for Grassroots Leaders, Revised Edition, 1991.   Our last book moves us fully into the topic of how you can affect environmental politics. We will spend very little time on this important book and your reading of it will sometimes merely be skimming. Neither of these things is an indication that it is unimportant.

In addition, there will be handouts and reserve articles to be read, including two and a half crucial chapters on the policy process that will help you learn about the politics of the policy process and help focus your attention by teaching you “what to look for”.   All readings are to be read by the date assigned, and you need to read them well enough to be prepared to discuss them – and/or lead a discussion on them.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND GRADING  

90-100% = A                                  77-79% = C+                                60-66% = D

87-89%    = B+                               70-76% = C                                  0-59% = F.

80-86%    = B                                  67-69% = D+     

Each individual’s grade will be based on 500 points, determined by:

• writing a book review (75 pts. on content; 25 pts. on writing quality; 100 points total)

• a mini-midterm -- very early in the term (70 pts.)

• preparing testimony for the simulation (75 pts. group grade/25 pts. individual grade) &   participating (30 pts.) in the simulation (total 130 pts.)

• leading/participating in 9 or 10 “ S tudent L ed E ducational D iscussions” (S.L.E.D.)   the one your team leads will be worth a potential 30 pts. and I will randomly chose two other S.L.E.D.’s to be graded, worth a potential 10 pts. each -- total   (50 pts.)

• a comprehensive final examination (150 pts.).

The book review will be half book review of, half personal response to, Abbey’s novel. 3/4ths the grade will be on content; 1/4th on the quality of your writing. This is a very important skill in the political process.

The mini-midterm will be during the third week of the term, and will focus on the nature of the policy process and how to write a policy paper.

In addition to all the readings and lectures/discussions, I will be providing you with a detailed handout on the policy paper, but in essence you will be applying the policy process lessons to the issue of wolf reintroduction. The simulation is titled “Wolf Politics” -- each of you will soon be assigned a team (or individual) role that will determine what research you need to do to properly research and play your part during the simulation (including preparing for, and presenting testimony to, Congress).    The Wolf Wars book will be invaluable for your preparation.  

The nine or ten S.L.E.D.’s will be classroom discussions that will take part, or in some cases possibly all, of each designated class.   You will be expected to participate fully in all of these discussions, and your “group” will be asked to lead one of these.   {A group normally consists of two to three students permanently assigned to a S.L.E.D. group.}  

You are responsible for all assigned readings (including handouts / reserves) as well as the entire classroom experience (lecture, discussion, videos, in-class exercises, the simulation, etc.).   I also expect you to make an effort to pay attention to major environmental political developments during this term.  

The book review will be marked down 15% per calendar day for each day that it is late, and NOT accepted after our discussion on the 10th .

The simulation research must be done prior to the simulation for you to receive any points for participation.   Simulation attendance is required.

A quote to chew on: “Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.   That is to say, you cannot love game and hate predators....The land is one organism.”   -   Aldo Leopold    

I have also prepared two handouts for you. The first is not attached. It is a checklist of questions a policy analyst would want to ask. The second, which provides information on internet research, is attached.

READING ASSIGNMENTS AND COURSE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Following is a preliminary schedule for the course, subject to a one-week notice for major changes. Minor adjustments may be made with shorter notice.   S.L.E.D. dates are likely to shift a few times.

Dec.     1         Introduction

           3         Preface and Chapter One - Smith / S.L.E.D.   #1 - Group ____

Dec.     6         Chapter Two - Smith / S.L.E.D. #2 - Group ____

           8         PPP Chapter Four (minus the 30 page case) - Handout

         10         Kraft Chapter   (Reserve)

         13         Chapters Three and Four - Smith

         15         PPP Chapter Six (minus much, but including part of the case)

          17         Mini-Midterm

Christmas Break (mostly)

Jan.     3          Milagro

          5          Milagro Concludes / S.L.E.D. #3 - All groups.

          7          Book Review Due (at the start of class)

        10          S.L.E.D. #4   The Monkey Wrench Gang   - All groups.

        12          Chapters Five and Six - Smith

        14          Chapters Seven and Eight - Smith

        17          Kahn to page 49   /   S.L.E.D.# 5 - ____   

        19          Environmental Politics and You (Kubiak)???

        21          Chapter Nine - Smith / S.L.E.D. #6 - ____

        24          Kahn to page 96

        26         Kahn to page 178 - Video

        28          Kahn to page 246 & Guest Speaker / S.L.E.D. #7 - All groups.

        31          S.L.E.D. #8 - ____

Feb.    2       Kahn to page 288 / Wolf Wars (Fischer) to page 64

          4          Policy Paper Due

          7          Wolf Wars to page 117   &   S.L.E.D. #9 - ____

          9          Wolf Wars to page 171

        11          Simulation

        14          Simulation

        16          S.L.E.D. #10 - All Groups

        18          Conclusion

        23          Comprehensive Final Exam – 8:00 - 10:00   (Note: Wednesday)

                                            INTERNET   RESEARCH   ASSISTANCE

On the next page I provide a few of the sites you might want to visit as you do research for this course.   If you have problems or questions, see me, or someone at the library, immediately -- because there is no shortage of information available. I also have a handout on electronic reserve (listed under my Geopolitics course) titled “Researching on the Net” that will help you to be an informed internet researcher. It also provides other sites that may be helpful. I do not mean to imply, however, that you should limit your search to internet sources.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION ( www.nwf.org )

AUDUBON SOCIETY

( www.audubon.org )

SIERRA CLUB

(www.sierraclub.org)

The e-mail address for the PA Chapter is ( pennsylvania.chapter@sierraclub.org )

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

( www.dep.state.pa.us )

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

( www.epa.gov ) A GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

( www.netspace.org/environ/documents/enviroguide.html )

This is just a small sampling, you can use search engines such as the new google for academics < http://scholar.google.com/ > and other similar services - to investigate and monitor any issue via the net.   The Mercyhurst political science departmental website, < http://polisci.mercyhurst.edu > also provides a number of valuable links (by professor).  

Finally, as the term progresses, I will be providing much more information on the course simulation, titled “Wolf Politics” (co-authored by Dr. Mark McBeth). The simulation, set in the present, involves research and both written and oral efforts at persuasion, i.e. politics (which is to say, story telling). It should be fun, educational, and good experience.