The course will critically analyze the conceptual framework within which questions about the environment are raised and debated. In addition to discussing moral theories appropriate to questions about the environment, the course will consider specific issues such as animal rights, the extinction of species, land use, population size and growth, and the use of economic tools to answer environmental questions. The take-home essays are responses to these questions. You must complete seven of these during the block, doing at least two a week for each of the first three weeks.
Essays are due at class time two class days after the questions are handed out.
I expect your essays to be thoughtful reflections on the material discussed. In writing you are not restricted to the assigned material. The term paper is due November 22. The paper is expected to be a critical examination of moral issues associated with a particular environmental problem or issue. I will be happy to suggest material and go over outlines or rough drafts as long as I receive them in time to consider them.