August 27, 2007
Economics of Natural Resources Dr. Michael Nieswiadomy
and Environment Office Hrs: M 4pm-6pm; TTh 2-4pm & by appt.
Economics 5440 Office: 254B Hickory Hall
Fall 2007 Phone: (940)565-2244; Fax:940-565-4426
REQUIRED TEXT:Environmental and Natural Resource Economics,7th ed., by Thomas Tietenberg, publisher: Addison Wesley 2006
Supplemental Text:Economics of the Environment: SelectedReadings, 5th ed., by Robert N. Stavins,published by W.W. Norton, 2005.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Recently a significant number of environmental problems have received considerable attention from the press: Acid rain, the green house effect, the deterioration of the ozone layer, groundwater pollution, habitat loss and over-harvesting of fish. These problems have convinced many people that mankind is incapable of living in harmony with the environment. We shall use as our organizing principle of the course the following questions: Can our economic and political institutions produce a sustainable growth path in the presence of a finite environment? What are the benefits and costs of our actions? What are the most efficient solutions to our problems?
GRADES: Your grade will be based on the percentage of 600 possible points.
Exam 1 100 points (16.67% of your overall grade)
Exam 2 100 points(16.67% of your overall grade)
Final Exam 150 points(25.00% of your overall grade)
Homeworks & pop quizzes100 points(16.67% of your overall grade)
Research Project150 points(25.00% of your overall grade)
Exams are a combination of multiple choice and essay questions. You will be required to answer more questions than the undergraduates. You will have the same amount of time as the undergraduates.
Research Project: Your project can cover any natural resources or environmental economics topic, subject to my approval. You must survey the relevant literature and produce a 20 page research paper (approximately 250 words per page, typed and double spaced). There are three deadlines for the research project:
Oct. 1: One paragraph description of the issue plus a one page outline with at least 3 references. You must schedule an appointment and meet with me on or before this date. You need to allow time to make suggested revisions before this date. Appointments will be made on a first come - first served basis.
Oct. 15: Five page draft paper with at least five references.
Nov. 26: Final paper due.
Failure to meet any deadline will result in a fixed 10 point penalty plus a variable one point penalty for each day late for each deadline missed!
The grading scale is:
A: 90-100% B: 80-89% C: 70-79% D: 60-69% F: below 60%.
ABSENCE POLICY: Plan to attend every class. If you miss class, you will receive a zero for the pop quiz. Read the assigned material before class.
COURSE OUTLINE
DATES CHAPTERS SUBJECT
TietenbergStavins
Aug 271 (1)Visions of the Future
2Valuing the Environment: Concepts
Sept 3Labor Day -- No Class!
Sept 103 (7-10)Valuing the Environment: Methods
Sept 174 (2)Property Rights and Externalities
5Sustainable Development: Defining the Concept
Sept 24Exam 1
Sept 24-Oct 16 (20)The Population Problem
Oct 17The Allocation of Depletable & Renewable Resources
Oct 5 Last drop day for "W" if not passing
Oct 88Depletable, Nonrecyclable Energy Resources
Oct 89Recyclable Resources: Minerals, Paper, Glass
Oct 1510Replenishable but Depletable Resources: Water
Oct 1511Reproducible Private-Property Resources: Food
Oct 22 Exam 2
Oct 22–Oct 2912 (28)Forests & Biodiveristy
Oct 2913 Fisheries
Oct 30 Last day to drop
Nov 514Generalized Resource Scarcity
Nov 515 (4&5)Economics of Pollution Control
Nov 1215 continued
Nov 1916 (17)Control of Stationary-Source Local Air Pollution
Nov 19 17 (22)Regional and Global Air Pollutants: Acid Rain & Atmospheric Modification
Nov 2618Mobile-Source Air Pollution
19Water Pollution
Dec 320Toxic Substances
(30)Environmental Policy Since Earth Day I
Dec 10Final Exam
POLICY ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
Department of Economics
1.Notice of this policy shall be announced in, or included in course syllabi, for all Economics classes each semester. Written copies will be available in the Economics office.
2.The Student Code of Conduct states that plagiarism and cheating are offenses against the University, and students found guilty of either are subject to disciplinary action.
3. Definitions:
A.Cheating:The willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance, using someone else's work for written assignments as if it were one's own, or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill the requirement of a course.
B.Plagiarism:The use of an author's words or ideas as if they were one's own without giving credit for the source, including but not limited to failure to acknowledge a direct quotation.
4. Punishment:
A.The minimum punishment for cheating or plagiarism is a grade of "F" for the course.
B.If removal from a degree program or probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University may be warranted (such actions may be particularly appropriate in cases involving graduate students), the instructor shall request the appointment of an ad hoc committee to review the determination. The committee shall consist of an equal number of faculty members and students to be appointed by the Chair person of the Department, in consultation with the Dean of Students. This committee's recommendations shall be reported to the Chairperson of the Department. The Chairperson shall review the committee's recommendations and forward them to the appropriate Dean(s) with his comments for appropriate action.
5.Appeals:
A student may appeal any action under the departmental policy on cheating and plagiarism in accordance with established procedures for academic and disciplinary appeals.
Note:Economics Department Policy on "Cheating and Plagiarism" was developed by making extensive use of the Political Science Department's Policy on "Cheating and Plagiarism", with the permission of John Booth, Chairman, Political Science Department.
Disability Accommodation
If you have a disability for which you will require accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, please discuss your needs with me after class or during office hours.
The Economics Department cooperates with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you have not registered with ODA, we encourage you to do so. Please present your written accommodation request on or before the 4th class day.
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Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment (Econ 5440) Fall 2007 Syllabus