ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 61A Environmental Protection and Pollution Prevention ES -061A.-61; Call #0601 Instructor: Mark Sullivan, Esq. Winter 2009 4.0 Units De Anza College, Division of Biological, Health, and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies Department Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies-See Pat Cornely in KC 218 (408) 864-8628 Course Theme: We Can Change the World Through Law. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION: Office Hours: Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm, or by phone, or other times by arrangement Phone: (831) 464-1896 Office Location: KC 213 E-mail Address: [email protected] ES Dept Website: http://EnvironmentalStudies.deanza.fhda.edu/es/ COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will explore environmental protection and pollution prevention. Topics discussed will include agency missions and guiding principles, agency philosophies, and agency contacts. Agencies include Cal/EPA, Air Resources Board, Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Water Resources. Current events and citizen action and their impacts on various cultural, ethnic, and gender groups will be discussed. *Your ideas and/or suggested topics are appreciated and will be considered for discussion. ADVISORIES ES 6 (concurrent enrollment is sufficient), EWRT 100B, Reading 100 or LART 100, ESL 173 is strongly advised as you will be expected to complete several written assignments using an academic essay format. A good attitude and a willingness to learn by problem solving are essential to receiving good grades. COMPETENCIES 1. Develop a greater understanding of environmental regulation in California. 2. Learn about the history of environmental regulation in the U.S. 3. Be able to access information regarding environmental policy, law, and regulation. 4. Develop an understanding of state and local environmental laws and regulations. 5. Be informed of the current status of environmental law, regulation, and policy. 6. Develop the skills to identify and critically evaluate any proposed or actual environmental policy modifications. COURSE MATERIALS Weekly Handouts Check out at SRC: Kubasek, Nancy K. and Silverman, Gary S. 2008. Environmental Law, 6th Edition. Prentice Hall/Pearson Education Inc. Publishing Co. (Copies available in the SRC.)Environmental Studies Department 2 of 4 ES 61A SUGGESTIONS/TEACHING METHODS This course will cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is crucial to attend all lectures, take good notes, and complete the readings prior to attending lectures. In the event that you cannot attend class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from one of your classmates. My teaching style is designed to engage you in a more active fashion. In order to meet this goal, I will combine the following teaching methods: lectures that make use of videos, field trips, handouts, and slides; hands-on activities such as active group/discussion sessions (participation is crucial); current events assignments; and student presentations. REQUIREMENTS 1. ATTEND ALL LECTURES 2. Two exams: One midterm and one final exam of equal weight will be given. The midterm will include the material covered in the first half of the course and the final will include the material covered in the second half of the course. 3. Regulatory agency discussion: Each student will present a discussion regarding a regulatory agency or issue specified by the instructor. Further information will be provided to assist you in completing this assignment. 4. Regulatory agency research paper: Each student is required to research, write, and submit a 6 to 8-page paper regarding the above discussion topic. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Further information will be provided to assist you in completing this assignment. 5. Current events assignment: Two current events assignments will be required. This will involve reading, summarizing, and presenting to the class a newspaper article pertaining to environmental law or regulation. Further information will be provided to assist you in completing these assignments. 6. Field Trips: Each student is required to attend the field trips. Additional information regarding the field trips will be provided in class. GRADING CRITERIA: 2 Exams (Midterm and Final) 30% (15% each) Regulatory Agency Discussion 20% Regulatory Agency Research Paper 20% Current Event Assignment 10% (5% each) Field Trips 20% TOTAL 100% Grading Scale (%): 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, Below 60 = FEnvironmental Studies Department 3 of 4 ES 61A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/POLICIES General Information 1) Please be prepared to dedicate sufficient time and energy to this course 2) Classroom etiquette matters (i.e. arrive to class on time, do not talk during lecture or video, turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices during class). 3) This class is based upon honesty, trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility. I always appreciate your cooperation. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. 4) Please know the correct procedures to follow in the case of an earthquake or other emergency. Exams/Homework/Attendance/Add Drop Procedures 1) There will be no make-ups for the exams or homework assignments. (Except under extraordinary circumstances; see me if you anticipate problems.) 2) Attendance. Regular attendance is required - and critical to your success in this class. You must contact me immediately if you miss a class or if you decide to drop. Attendance at the final exam session is required. Attendance will be taken at each class session. Students may be dropped after their second unexcused absence. Each tardy (unexcused late arrival for class) counts as one third of an absence. You are late if you are not in the classroom at the scheduled class time. You must speak to the instructor at the end of class if you are late and make sure that your attendance was noted. Students who arrive late for class six times without a valid reason may be dropped. You must contact the instructor immediately if you have to miss class for a valid reason - your absence is considered unexcused until you do this. 3) Add/Drop. You are subject to being dropped from the class for excessive absences or tardiness. However, there is no guarantee that you will automatically be dropped in time to meet deadlines if you stop attending without notifying me.