Resource Economics 499C - HonsThes-Sust/Today's Econ

Sustainability and social responsibility are criteria that are increasingly being applied in decision-making by corporations and government agencies. This two-semester Honors Thesis Seminar will familiarize students with issues related to sustainability and social responsibility and their impact on communities, business organizations, and governments. Implementing projects that advance sustainability goals requires skills to evaluate not just financial aspects of a project but also the value of environmental goods and services typically un-priced in the marketplace. Building on the principles of economic Cost-Benefit Analysis, this course will equip students with decision-making tools to evaluate sustainability projects. Students will develop research proposals in the Fall and complete their Honors Theses in the Spring.

Seniors of all majors are encouraged to apply. Prospective students should email Dr. Christine Crago at ccrago@resecon.umass.edu with a brief essay describing why they want to take the course and what they hope to achieve by participating in it.