Political Science 383 - Energy Policy

This course explores the politics of energy policy by examining a range of cases from around the world, including the United States. What is energy? How does energy impact politics and everyday lives in energy-rich and energy-important countries? What are energy transitions and when do they occur? How do energy markets work? This course provides the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical tools to think critically about such questions. It is a multidisciplinary course, with readings drawn from the fields of history, international politics, political economy, development, environmental studies, and the sciences as they pertain to various energy sources, including oil, gas, nuclear, biofuels, and renewables. In addition to readings, we will watch a range of documentaries that highlight various dimensions of energy politics and policy. Students will also come away from this course with greater knowledge of the history of energy in the United States and the rest of the world, as well as a better understanding of the politics surrounding energy policy in select cases. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-PolSci students.

Open to Senior & Junior POLISCI primary majors.