ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 6 (Fall 2008)

Introduction To Environmental Law E S - 006; Call #2734
Instructor: Gary A. Patton Fall 2008 Room: KC 112 4.0 Units

Division and Department Information

• Division of Biological, Health, and Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Studies Department
• All Classes and Office Hours are Held in the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies
  

Instructor Information

• Office Hours: Tuesdays: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by arrangement
• Office Location: KC 212
• Instructor Phone: 408-864-8999, Ext. 3156 <Messages only and emails are much better!>
• Instructor E-mail
• Instructor's Website
• Environmental Studies Department Website
  

Course Description
Today's environmental careers demand proficiency in environmental law. Environmental law is a critical subject of study as it is one of the primary ways that we, as a society, create, implement, and enforce environmental protections. This course will include information on laws about land use, energy, natural resources, air, water, and hazardous materials and waste. Current events, citizen action, and impacts on various cultural, ethnic, and gender groups will be discussed. A consistent theme throughout the course will be that we can change the world through law.

Advisories
Eligibility for EWRT 1A or ESL 5 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 the U.S. legal system.
2. Learn about the history of environmental law and regulation in the U.S.
3. Be able to access information on environmental policy, law, regulations, and legislation.
4. Understand domestic and international environmental laws and regulations.
5. Be informed about the current status of environmental law, regulation, and policy.
6. Be able to identify and critically evaluate proposed or actual environmental policies.

Course Materials
Kubasek, Nancy K. and Silverman, Gary S. 2008. Environmental Law, 6th Edition. Prentice Hall/Pearson Education Inc. Publishing Company.

Copies of the text are on sale at the bookstore. A reserve copy should also be available in the Kirsch Center Resource Center, and in the Main Library. Readings from the textbook are assigned for almost every class. Therefore, it is critically important for every student to have a copy of the book. Additional information and materials may be provided on the instructor's website.

Schedule
During Fall Quarter, 2008, Introduction to Environmental Law (ES 6) will be taught from 12:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please see the Class Schedule list for a detailed schedule, which accounts for school holidays. The assigned readings are to be read in advance of the corresponding class meeting.

Requirements

• Class participation: Students are expected to attend each class and to be prepared to discuss the assigned reading material and/or any additional material provided. A personal meeting with the instructor is required, and will be scheduled during the first three weeks of the course.

• Quizzes: Ten in-class quizzes will be given during the course. These will be brief, and are intended mainly to encourage students to do the assigned reading and to participate in class.
  

• 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. The final will include the material covered in the second half of the course. These two exams will cover material presented from class, lectures, readings, videos, handouts, homework assignments, group work, etc. One week prior to each exam we will complete a study guide that will assist you in preparing for the exam.
  

• Student paper: Each student is required to research, write, and submit one 8-10 page paper. The topic of your paper must be submitted to the instructor by no later than the third week of class. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Further information will be provided during the course to assist you in completing this assignment.
  

• Oral presentation: Each student will be required to present the subject of his or her paper to the class. The format of this presentation will be discussed in class, and further information will be provided to assist you in completing this assignment.
  

• Current events assignments: Two current events assignments will be required. This will involve reading and summarizing articles pertaining to environmental law in newspapers or periodicals. Further information will be provided to assist you in completing these assignments.

• TBA Hours: There is a TBA ("to be arranged") requirement for this class, which means that you are expected to spend one hour per week in the Stewardship Resource Center (SRC). The TBA hours you spend should help you develop the skills and abilities that are being taught in ES-6, and your progress will be evaluated in connection with your class presentations. To document your TBA hours, please sign in at least once per week at the Stewardship Resource Center. A sign-in sheet for your instructor will be maintained in the SRC. Please see your instructor if you encounter any problems fulfilling this requirement.

• 2 Exams (Midterm and Final) 40% (20% Each) – 200 Points (100 Each)
• Class Quizzes (Ten) 10% (1% Each) – 50 Points (5 Each)
• Current Event Assignments (Two) 10% (5% Each) – 50 Points (25 Each)
• Student Paper 30% - 150 Points
• Class Presentation 10% - 50 Points
• TOTAL 100% - 500 Points

Grading Scale (%): 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; Below 60 = F

Suggestions / Teaching Methods
This course will cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is very important for students to complete the assigned readings prior to attending class. It is also very important for students to attend all classes, take good notes, and raise questions and ask for clarifications as topics are discussed. In the event that you cannot attend a class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from one of your classmates. My teaching style is designed to engage you as actively as possible in the learning process. In order to meet this goal, I will combine lectures (including lectures that make use of videos, overhead transparencies, handouts, and slides); hands-on activities such as active group/discussion sessions; current events assignments; and student presentations. All students are expected actively to participate in class discussions and activities.

Additional Information / Policies
General Information

• Please be prepared to dedicate sufficient time and energy to this course.

• Classroom etiquette matters (i.e. arrive in class on time; do not talk during lecture or video presentations; turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices during class; NO texting).

• This class is based upon honesty, trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility. I always appreciate your cooperation. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.

• No alcohol or drugs!

• Please review the Biological, Health & environmental Sciences Division "Student Handbook." It has lots of important information and taking its advice and suggestions seriously will help you be a better and more successful student.

• Please know the correct procedures to follow in the case of an earthquake or other emergency.

Exams / Homework / Attendance / Add Drop Procedures

• No Make-Up. There will be no make-ups for the quizzes, exams, or homework assignments. (Except under extraordinary circumstances; see me if you anticipate problems).

• Attendance. Regular attendance is required - and critical to your success in this class. You must contact the instructor 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) will count 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).

• Add/Drop. You are subject to being dropped from the class for excessive absences or tardiness, as outlined above. However, there is no guarantee that you will automatically be dropped in time to meet deadlines if you stop attending without notifying the instructor. De Anza has established specific dates for dropping with no record, or for dropping with a "W" grade. It is your responsibility to be aware of De Anza's drop deadlines and to make timely arrangements with the registrar and me if you decide to drop this class. To meet these deadlines, you must contact me during a regular class meeting or at a scheduled office hour before the drop deadline. I will not backdate drop requests submitted after deadlines.