This seminar is designed to help Juniors prepare for the Senior Thesis research. Topic selection, advisor identification, funding options, and basic research methods will be discussed.

This seminar is designed to help Juniors prepare for the Senior Thesis research. Topic selection, advisor identification, funding options, and basic research methods will be discussed.

The environmental regulatory framework in the United States is made up of relatively small, yet complex set of laws that seek to advance public health and environmental protection. This course will examine the major environmental statutes, the underlying constitutional authority for government regulation, and the role of politics, as well as other influences/constraints that play a role in creating and implementing environmental policy. Topics include: Congress, the President and the courts; history of the environmental movement; environmental activism and lobbying; the role of media in policy; statutes - Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund); Toxics Substances Control Act; and National Environmental Policy Act.