Energy Policy, Environment, and Social Change

Seminar Learning Agreement

Course Objectives:

• To introduce students to the scientific, environmental, economic, geopolitical, and social implications of current energy technologies

• To engage students in reflections on the strengths and weaknesses of the technology, policies, and economics in order to improve the state of energy use

• To offer a practical, hands-on view of energy policy and regulations through site visits in Washington, D.C.

• To reflect on the relationship between energy production, consumption and environmental and social consequences, especially as understood in Catholic social tradition

Course Requirements

This Seminar is a one credit course, graded "S" or "U," in the Center for Social Concerns (CSC 33985). The following requirements are expected:

1. Attendance at and participation in each class is mandatory.

2. Completion of assigned readings, short reflection papers and a final research paper (4–6 pages).

3. Participation in all site visits and activities in Washington, D.C.

4. Completion of all course evaluations requested by the Seminar Director.

**PLEASE NOTE** Please check your class schedule to see if you have departmental exams that might conflict with this Seminar's class schedule.  If so, please contact your instructor to request an alternative exam time.

Application Process

• Online applications are due Thursday, August 26, 2010.

• For all students:  By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Energy Policy and Social Change Seminar and this Learning Agreement.

• All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester.

Criteria For Selection  

• The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. The primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar

Course Registration

• You will receive email notification on a) whether you have been selected to participate in a seminar and b) which seminar you have been selected to participate in (this circumstance applies if you have applied to more than one seminar). Subsequently, the course instructor will email instructions for course registration.
• Special instructions for St. Mary's College students.
• Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours (Maximum Hours Exceeded) allowed by your College. The assistant deans of your college will be able to grant special approval. Contact Mary Juckett at the Center for Social Concerns if you have a class time conflict.

Fees and Expenses

• The cost of the seminar is $265.  This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts after September 5th.  This fee contributes to van rental, housing, site fees, building materials, gas, tolls, and food.  Personal expenses are the responsibility of each student.  Students will be responsible for their meals while they travel to and from the site and for metro charges.  An additional $75–$100 should cover these expenses.
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Debbie Blasko.

• If you are accepted and you decide not to participate in the seminar after September 1, 2010, your student account will be billed the full $265.

Withdrawal from the Course

• Please notify the Seminar Director by email if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar.