Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning outcomes for this course, upon successful completion, include the ability to: 1) know essential concepts and dynamics in environmental economics, 2) develop basic and critical appreciation of economics as applied to the environment and natural resources, 3) understand the connection between environmental quality and the economic behavior of individuals and other key economic agents, 4) relate environment and resource analysis to real world issues and circumstances through the use of practical problems and policies.
Credits: 6
Schedule: 28.06.2021 - 16.07.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Joan Lofgren
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Richard McGrath
Contact information for the course (valid 13.06.2021-21.12.2112):
Richard McGrath, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Georgia Southern University
Savannah, Georgia, USA
+1 912.344.2626
rmcgrath@georgiasouthern.edu
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The primary focus of the course is to understand the nature, scope and key concepts of environmental economics and the relationship between the economy and the environment, including the notion of optimal level of pollution. The tools of environmental analysis, the principles of demand and cost and the elements of economic efficiency in market and in non-market activities are also explored, a key notion here is that of Market failure . Key techniques of environmental analysis (like cost benefit analysis) are addressed. Attention is also given to concepts and dynamics of Polluter Pays Principle and public policy instruments (e.g. environmental taxes, subsidies, permits). Theories on the optimal allocation of renewable resources with specific application to forestry and fisheries are developed. This is followed by an investigation of the main theoretical and practical issues relating to exhaustible resources (e.g. energy). The analytical tools and principles developed earlier are applied to current developments in environmental policy in the EU and globally.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Applies in this implementation:
Grading
Course
Requirements and ValuesWeighting (%)
or maximum pointsRequirement 1
Discussion Forum contributions10%
Requirement 2
Live session participation10%
Requirement 3
Essay and Presentation (2000 words, 6 slides)20%
Requirement 4
Exam 1 (60 minutes)20%
Requirement 5
Exam 2 (60 minutes)20%
Requirement 6
Exam 3 (60 minutes)20%
Total
100
Conversion
scaleFinal
grade(official
scale)90 - 100
5
80 - 89
4
70 - 79
3
60 - 69
2
50 - 59
1
0 - 49
0
Workload
Applies in this implementation:
ECTS
Student WorkloadNumber of Hours
Faculty-led engagement (May include synchronous sessions and
asynchronous interaction, eg viewing recorded lectures, distance teamwork and
other peer interaction such as threaded discussions.)45
Self-study hours (May include acquisition of content and
assignment completion.)115
Work with course materials, eg required
reading75
Exam preparation
20
Individual research & writing
20
Team projects (meetings, research,
preparation, etc.)Other
Total
of all student workload hours160
DETAILS
Study Material
Applies in this implementation:
Required Reading
Environmental
Economics, An Introduction, 8e, Barry C. Field and Martha K. Field. McGraw
Hill.Additional
Readings will be linked or loaded to the session page on MyCourses.Students will
each choose a different climate fiction novel from a list provided by the
instructor. Access to a selection of books on the list will be made available
by Jaana Santala, the Mikkeli campus information specialist. Other books may
be chosen at the student’s expense with permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
basic course in economics
Registration for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course is only for the Mikkeli Campus students and the registration is done at the Mikkeli study office.
Applies in this implementation:
Additional Information
Exams
Exams
may consist of a series of theoretical or discussion questions and/or essays.
Students’ written exams will be assessed
in terms of their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the
topics presented and breadth of reading. Students are allowed access to books
and notes but may not discuss exams with others until they are graded. Because
time constraints will limit the value of books and notes when taking exams,
students should not overly rely on them when planning for exams.Discussion Boards
There
will be a required personal introduction plus four graded discussion boards,
graded based on the guidelines below. Discussion boards can be a great part
of the course. Don’t just try to get them done. Be thoughtful and add to the
conversation. Each discussion board assignment will have additional instructions- Read all the other posts first.
- You are not dropping a monologue
into empty space. You are engaging in conversation - What are you adding to the
conversation? - If you agree with a post,
explain and expand, don’t just agree. - If you disagree, do so politely
and with details about why you disagree. Polite disagreement is
valuable on discussion boards. - Cite sources. Don’t say “I read
that.” Repeating what you read on social media is not a contribution
unless you are analyzing what was said. - Add links to supporting
information to help move the conversation forward. - Write out your full comment in a separate
document and save it. Expectations: - You address a significant
portion of the question. - The answer avoids triteness and
unsupported generalizations. - The ideas reflect critical
thinking and insight. - There is some originality in the
writer's response. - The content has depth and
substance. - There are virtually no errors in
punctuation or spelling, grammar or usage. - Sentences are smooth and
carefully constructed. - The words chosen are clear,
accurate, and precise. - The answer or response holds the
reader's interest. - Decide where to post it.
- Are you replying to a thread in
general, or to a particular comment in a thread? Those have separate
buttons. Know which is which. - Start a new thread only if your
thoughts do not fit into an established thread. Subject lines should be
descriptive of the topic to invite readers. I suggest writing the
subject line after drafting the post. - Grading.
- Adherence to the above
guidelines will be the focus of grading. - Political and social
viewpoints will not affect grading.
2000 word paper (and
book selection/acquisition)Students
will each write a 2000 word essay on a single environmental issue based on
the reading and analysis of a climate fiction or environmental fiction book
approved by the faculty member. Students may not use the same book, and must
claim the rights to a book on a discussion board, first-come, first-served. I
suggest choosing books as quickly as possible. There is a pre-approved list
in two parts: 1) Jaana Santala, the college information specialist, has
ordered 15 different books and can ship them to you. 2) the remainder of the
approved list can be purchased at your own expense or borrowed from a library.
I am amenable to book requests off the list. Email the link to a bookseller’s
listing for my approval.Additional
information on the assignment will be provided on MyCourses. It is expected
that the standard of writing and presentation is appropriate to advanced
university study. This means submitting a work that has been proof read,
corrected and legible. I expect to receive a structured work which has well
developed themes and logical argument. Late papers will be penalized without
an approved excused absence. Papers must comply with the Citation and
Referencing Guide https://into.aalto.fi/display/enbscba/Citation+and+Referencing+Guide and the Style Guide https://into.aalto.fi/display/enbscba/Style+Guide+and+Cover+Page+Template+for+Assignments.
Due Tuesday 12 July 22.00.Presentation and
feedback on other presentationsStudents will
be required to make a 10-minute presentation on the key components of the
analysis from the 2000 word paper. Guidance for these presentations will be
provided on MyCourses. Students are also expected to actively contribute to the
discussion of other presentations. Slides must be uploaded 30 minutes before presentations
begin to allow an orderly progression through presentations. Presentations
will be approximately ten minutes to leave time for questions and discussion.
Clarity and insight will be the primary characteristics sought from
presentations and discussion.Class preparation and participation
The active
exchange of ideas and observations is important in a policy-oriented course.
This requires advance preparation and participation by students. This is
particularly important when students are assigned to find their own sources
of information to contribute to the class discussion. Attendance alone in not
sufficient for a quality participation grade.Please note that late assignments will
not be accepted except upon approval for urgent reasons.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation: