Political Science 499DC - H-EnergyPolClimateChange2ndSem

This honors thesis seminar offers a multidisciplinary, political economy approach to investigating the role of human generation and consumption of energy in contemporary politics and society. Readings are drawn from the fields of history, international politics, political economy, political science, geography, anthropology, and development studies as they pertain to energy infrastructure and energy sources, including coal, oil, natural gas, hydropower, and renewables. In addition to readings, we will watch a range of movies and documentaries that highlight particular dimensions of energy politics and policy. You will come away from this course with greater knowledge of how energy both shapes politics and is shaped by politics in the United States and the rest of the world. You will also gain improved critical thinking and writing skills as you complete the assignments for this course. This course also provides structure to guide you through the process of writing an honors thesis, including how to come up with topics and questions; how to conduct literature reviews and think about data collection and analysis; and how to structure time and overcome challenges associated with writing longer papers and theses. This is the second part of a two-semester, yearlong course. Spring semester will focus on completing an original honors thesis and public presentation. (499-seminar)

This course is open to Senior & Junior Commonwealth Honors College students only.