ECON 370 Economics of Environmental and Safety Regulation

ECON 370 – Economics of Environmental and Safety Regulation

Winter 2006

California State University, Bakersfield

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Instructor: Dr. Aaron Hegde

Office: BDC 260

E-mail:

Office hours: M: 2:30 – 3:30 pm; T: 2 – 5pm; W: 5 – 6 pm or by appointment

Required Text: Anderson, David A. Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management

ISBN # 0324133820

Class Meets: MW 6pm – 8:05 pm; CB 104

Class Website:

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Course Description

Topics considered: The application of economic principles to the study of practices and policy decisions affecting the environment. Topics discussed, but not limited to, include optimal pollution, resource extraction, taxation and conservation. Valid methodology and relevant techniques applied to the study of issues, otherwise clouded by emotions.

Course Requirements

Exams: There will be two midterms and one final. Each exam will have short as well as some descriptive-answer type questions. Exams are non-cumulative. More details will be given when appropriate.

Homework: A broad category that involves doing the assignments, coming to class, doing the readings, class participation, and group work. This category also includes quizzes. I reserve the right to include work, not possibly listed within the syllabus. Advance notice will be given in such cases. A paper (about 5 – 10 pgs) is also included in this section. More details to follow.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken randomly. More than three (3) unexcused absences will adversely affect your grade (a 5% overall reduction). You are expected to attend all classes. No makeup exams or extensions on the homework assignments will be allowed or accepted under any circumstances. In case of absence from exams due to documented medical reasons, grades from other work will be re-weighted. However, this does not apply to missed assignments. If you are unable to fulfill some of the course requirements on time, please make sure that you receive prior permission. Remember that in order to do well you need to take all exams, do the homework and participate in class.

Group Work: You may have to write reports and discuss them in class. Any work being turned in needs to be typed. There will be numerous other short worksheets, assignments, etc. Group work is the best way to learn economics. Alternatively, these assignments can also be done individually.

Grading

Exams (3) 300 (60%)

Homework (10)100 (20%)

Quizzes (5) 50 (10%)

In-Class Work (5) 25 ( 5%)

Paper 25 ( 5%)

Total Points500

Grade Scale:

95 - 100 A / 90-94 A- / 87-89 B+ / 84-86 B
80-83 B- / 77-79 C+ / 74-76 C / 70-73 C-
67-69 D+ / 64-66 D / 60-63 D- / 0-59 F

*There will be no rounding off in grade calculation. For e.g., an 89.9 will still be considered a B+.

Academic Conduct

Academic Integrity: I expect each of you to uphold the standards of academic integrity as explained in the Student Handbook. Cheating in any form WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in a formal report to the university.

Student Conduct: See university policy regarding acceptable classroom behavior, especially Title 5, California Code of Regulations (Student Discipline). Please be considerate of your colleagues and turn off (or in silent mode) your cellular phones, pagers and other noisemakers.

Incomplete Grades: No incomplete grades will be awarded unless for “serious and compelling reason” as defined by the university.

ADA: Please see the instructor if you have any disability and need special accommodations.

Tentative Course Schedule: There may be some modification as to the covering of each chapter, but Test Dates Will Not Change.

Week / Topic / Chapter
/ Building a Foundation

One

/ The Big Picture; Efficiency and Choice / 1, 2
Two / Market Failure; Trade-offs and the Economy / 3, 4
Three / Trade-offs and the Economy; Morals and Motivation / 4, 5
Four /

Jan 25, 2006 – Exam One

Issues and Approaches

Four /

Environmental Quality

/ 6

Five

Environmental Quality; Energy

/ 6, 7
Six / Energy; Sustainability / 7, 8
Seven / Biodiversity; Global Issues / 9, 10
Eight /

Feb 20, 2006 – Exam Two

Policy and Procedure
Eight / Natural Resource Management / 11, 12
Nine / Government and Environmental Policy / 13, 14
Ten / Population, Poverty & Econ Growth; Environmental Dispute Resolution / 15, 16
Paper Due – Mar 8, 2006
Final Exam Week – Exam Three – TBA