EESC 410 - Environmental Impact Analysis

Units: 3
Examination of the origins, applications, and changing dynamics of the environmental review process. Policy implications of environmental impact assessment, land-use planning, and public decision-making in the U.S., with an emphasis on California.

Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Identify the underlying factors and historical milestones that have led to the current approach to environmental impact assessment in the U.S., and particularly in California;
Identify the key steps involved in the environmental assessment/review process under both CEQA and NEPA;
Explain the broader political and ethical implications of how environmental compliance is undertaken;
Describe the role played by earth, environmental and sustainability science professionals in the environmental assessment/review process; and
Interpret findings presented in environmental impact assessments conducted for a current or hypothetical planning project and analyze the environmental, political, and policy implications of such findings.