DIPL 6031 International Environmental Policy

This course will address the nature, content, and structure of international environmental law. The course will first familiarize students with international environmental problems and basic principles of international law and environmental regulation. The course will then take up various specific topics, such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, trade and environment, and biodiversity and biosafety. Throughout, the course will apply interdisciplinary tools to help understand the international environmental regulatory system. The course will explore the roles of different actors in that system, as well as the difficulties of negotiating and implementing agreements that form the rules of the system. In terms of the learning goals and student outcomes the School’s Faculty have identified as key for students, students will: • increase their knowledge and understanding of o key concepts, models, theories, and debates in international relations o the institutional backdrop underpinning international politics, including international organizations and international law o the normative aspect of international relations as reflected in international law, including human rights o the prevailing global issues, such as international conflict, global health, and environmental challenges; • develop skills to o collect, sort, and evaluate information o analyze complex situations and synthesize information o integrate different fields of study in analysis of a complex world o communicate effectively in oral and written form; • develop a sense of global citizenship and to employ a global perspective to: o recognize and understand differences among a diversity of cultures and viewpoints o employ a global perspective and self-awareness regarding their own culture and responsibility as world citizens o demonstrate leadership qualities and other essential skills of diplomacy