Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. Course Syllabus COURSE OUTLINE ENVI 415: Environmental Planning (4-‐credit course) Fall 2011 Lecture Time: Tuesday & Thursday 4:25-‐5:50 pm Lecture Room: Appalachian Collegiate Center, room G014 Professor: Dr. Shaker e-‐mail:
[email protected] Telephone (office): 607.777.6713 or Ext. 7-‐6713 Webnotes: Blackboard Office Hours: Mon. 10:00 am -‐12:00 noon (Student Wing, room 210A). We can also meet immediately after class or please schedule an appointment for another time. OVERVIEW Environmental planning is a broad topic encompassing landscape planning, water resources management, airshed planning, solid waste management, wildlife management, human health planning, more. This “capstone” course is designed to provide students with an overview of the theory and practice of environmental policy and management. Case studies taken from developed and developing countries will be used to illustrate how management approaches are put into practice and to evaluate their effectiveness. Environmental planning requires: knowledge of planning issues and objectives, analytical and writing skills, ability to integrate different viewpoints and disciplines, collecting information, analyzing and interpreting results, and presenting information. Environmental planning is usually conducted by an interdisciplinary team working together; albeit, a successful environmental plan uses a variety of skills and techniques (i.g., writing, math, graphics, spreadsheets, GIS analyses, mapping, and presentation). Two course assignments will provide students an opportunity to explore areas of interests in more detail. A semester long group project engaging an environmental issue in the Greater Binghamton region will operationalize the environmental planning process. PREREQUISITE Junior standing and ENVI 101, 201, and 215 or 149 COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING • Assignment #1 20 September 2011 10% • Case Study Dependent on Date 10% • Assignment #2 8 November 2011 25% • Group Project 13 December 2011 45% • Participation & Attendance 10% Late Penalty: 2% per weekday (not including weekend days/holidays). Late assignments should be submitted to my mailbox in the Geography Department main office (2nd floor of Student Wing). Assignments should be word processed, and written in a formal report format (to be discussed in class). Line spacing is optional; however, font size should be 11 or 12 point. If turning in hardcopy, staple your assignment in the upper left hand corner; albeit, DO NOT use a cover NOR binding. Retain a copy of all rough notes and final products until the assignments have been marked and returned to you, as you may be asked to produce them. Digital copies are encouraged and should be submitted via “Assignments” within the course’s Blackboard page. REQUIRED READINGS: • “Environmental Management: Readings and Cases.” by: Michael V. Russo (2nd edition, 2008). 1
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. • Recommended and required readings are listed in the table below. I will post or email the additional required readings on Blackboard and/or reserve as class proceeds. Some topics and readings are yet to be determined (TBD). LECTURE NOTES: • Please read all materials prior to the class in which they are posted for. Lecture presentations will be made available on the Blackboard website. OTHER NOTES: • Binghamton University (BU) maintains a web page that contains university policies that affect the instructor and the students in this course, as well as essential information specific to conduct of the course. The link to that web page is: http://www.binghamton.edu:8080/exist7/rest/index.html. • Attendance. It is expected that students will attend all scheduled classes, laboratories, excursions, and discussions. The instructor remains the right to deny a student the privilege of taking the final exam, receiving credit for the course, or may prescribe other academic penalties if the student misses more than 25% of total class session. Excessive tardiness may count as absence. • Harpur academic advising office. Staffed with full-‐time professional advisers, as well as peer advisers, this office provides services to students and operates with some delegated authority from the Dean and the Academic Standards Committee. It is in this office that students receive advice on curricular and procedural matters, and monitor their progress toward the degree through the Degree Audit Report System (DARS). • Tutorial support. Two tutoring opportunities exist for BU students. The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) located in the College in the Woods is open six days a week providing free tutoring services to all students in a number of selected courses. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students have access to tutorial services in the Campos/Robeson Learning Stills Center (aka, Tutorial Center). • Writing center. The Writing Center’s primary function is to help students improve their writing through one-‐on-‐one tutelage. The Writing Center is located in Library North, room 2412. • Undergraduate research funds. The Binghamton Foundation and Harpur College provide limited funding of undergraduate student research. Awards may be for either ongoing or anticipated senior honors theses or independent study projects. Applications are accepted each semester; the fall deadline is early October, and the spring deadline is in early March. Application forms are available online at: http://www2.binghamton.edu/harpur/students/research-‐award.html. • Classroom decorum. The instructor may exclude from attendance any student who, in the instructor’s judgment, has seriously impaired the class’s ability to achieve the objectives of the course. • Students with disabilities. Verification of disability, class standards, the policy on the use of alternate material and test accommodations can be found through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): http://www2.binghamton.edu/ssd/. • Religious observances. Students will NOT be penalized for absence due to religious observance. Please arrange alternative time/dates for conflicts pertaining to religious observance. • Incompletes. You may be given an incomplete if you have carried a course successfully until near the end of the semester but, because of illness or other unusual and substantiated causes beyond your control, have been unable to take or complete the final examination or to complete some limited amount of course work. An incomplete is not given unless you prove to the instructor that you were prevented from completing the course for just cause as indicated above. • Discriminatory conduct. (e.g., sexual harassment). Discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated. It poisons the work and learning environment of the University and threatens the careers, educational experience and well-‐being of students, faculty and staff. • Academic misconduct. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic endeavors. Policies for addressing students cheating on exams or plagiarism can be found under the Student Academic Honesty Code: http://www.binghamton.edu:8080/exist7/rest/lists2011-‐ 12/2_academic_policies_and_procedures_all_students/academicPoliciesAndProcedureAllStudents.xml?_xsl= 2
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. /db/xsl/compose.xsl. Academic dishonesty violations may proceed with one of two courses of action: 1) the Admission of Dishonesty form, or 2) bringing the case to the Honesty Committee to proceed with a hearing. • Complaint procedures. Students are first to direct complaints/appeals to the instructor, and second to the instructor’s department or school using the established Binghamton University grievance procedure. TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE MO. Aug.
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TOPICS & READINGS Welcome and Introduction to ENVI 415: Environmental Planning • Course overview; epistemological foundations; who are we? • Reading: None Group Project Orientation • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 1 (skim) Beyond Greening & The Triple Bottom Line (Case Overview: Dr. Shaker) • Reading: [Russo] Chapters 1 & 4 Pacific Lumber Company (Case Overview: Frank Bilello; Lauren Koerner) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 28 The Tragedy of the Commons (Case Overview: Jonathan Yousefzadeh; Robb Quiller) Due: Group Project Proposal • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 5 EPA and the Evolution of Federal Regulation (Case Overview: Erica Johnston; Adam Melinis) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 6 Acid Rain: Southern Company (Case Overview: Ashley Ryan; Emma Antolos) Due: Environmental Indicator Report • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 32 Raising Global Standards (Case Overview: Natalie Limbach; Lauren Lukefahr) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 10 The WEEE Challenge (Case Overview: Benjamin Waldron; Connor Pupelis) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 41 **** No Class **** • Rosh Hashanah Bridging the Trade-‐Environment Debate (Case Overview: Matthew Potel; Wayne Papke) Due: Options Paper Proposal • [Russo] Chapter 9 Oil in the Ecuadorean Rainforest (Case Overview: Brian Fridkin; Christine Hernandez) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 29 Strategy Originates Within the Organization (Case Overview: Winnie Lee; Amy Cubbage) Due: Group Strategic Plan • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 11 Objection-‐Handling Clinic (Case Overview: Sarah San Giovanni) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 12 Excerpts from the 2006 Understanding LOHAS Market Report (Case Overview: Emily Berlin) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 18
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**** Out of Class Library Exercise **** • 34th Annual Applied Geography Conference Deja Shoe (A) (Case Overview: Jessica Wu; Sarah Sullivan) Due: Group Implantation Plan • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 38 Environmental Product Differentiation (Case Overview: Jocob Cohen; George Greve) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 34 Coastwide Laboratories (Case Overview: Tasha Casagni) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 35 Transparency, Openness, and Accountability (Case Overview: Stefanie Rulli) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 15 A Primer on the Global Reporting Initiative (Case Overview: Dr. Shaker) Due: Options Papers • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 16 Seventh Generation (Case Overview: Amanda Foster; Melissa Weeks) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 33 A New Framework for Management (Case Overview: Dr. Shaker) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 22 Note on Life-‐Cycle Analysis (Case Overview: Dr. Shaker) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 24 Procter & Gamble: Disposable and Reusable Diapers (Case Overview: Jenna Fierstein; Lauren Galasso) • Reading: [Cech] Chapter 43 **** No Class **** • Thanksgiving Break Environmental Management Systems and Eco-‐Control (Case Overview: Bradley Rogers; Brian Dehnert) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 27 Benziger Family Winery (Case Overview: Kristin Todd; Ashley Weber) • Reading: [Russo] Chapter 40 Group Project Work Day I • In Class/On Campus Group Project Work Day II • In Class/On Campus GROUP PROJECT PRESENTATIONS (Location: SW 329; Time: 4:30 – 6:30 pm) Good Bye and Good Luck!
ASSIGNMENT #1: ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATOR REPORT (DUE: 20 September 2011) 1. THE ASSIGNMENT Students will gather information on an environmental indicator for a particular region (e.g., state, watershed, neighborhood, etc.). The purpose of gathering such information is to assess the state of that indicator in the region and to track change. 4
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. 2. THE ASSIGNMENT DETAILS At minimum, the report should consist of the following: • A description of the problem as it affects the local environment in general. • A review of why the indicator is important. • A discussion of how the data was obtained. • A review of the data and results. • A brief list of potential solutions and actions currently being undertaken to address the problem. • A list of recommendations to assist in reporting activities and in solving the problem over time. 2.1. ASSIGNMENT DETAILS The indicator paper should be approximately 3 pages singled-‐spaced in length, and incorporate data tables, maps, and/or other figures. 3. RESOURCES In addition to the discussions we’ve had in class, you might want to pay special attention indicators in use for planning practices. Furthermore, you are expected to cite as references at least four scholarly research sources (e.g., journal articles, books), in addition to the non-‐scholarly resources (e.g., government reports, interviews, Internet). 4. EVALUATION Digital copies are encouraged and should be submitted via “Assignments” within the course’s Blackboard page by the beginning of lecture on 20 September 2011. ASSIGNMENT #2: OPTIONS PAPER (DUE: 8 November 2011) 1. THE ASSIGNMENT Each student will provide an Options Paper on a current issue related to environmental planning. An Options Paper is a concise paper that provides decision-‐makers (e.g., Works/Planning Directors, Governmental Officials, Company Presidents, etc.) with a brief summary of a problem and a succinct evaluation of options for managing it. Topics MUST be relevant to the management of the environment (built or natural), and ideally would be pertinent to the State of New York (i.e., City of Binghamton, hydrologic fracturing). While it is more practical to focus on environmentally related issues facing Greater Binghamton or another area in New York, students may also take on a environmental planning issue elsewhere in the world. Students are also encouraged to narrow the scope of the issue/problem they select to make the paper more manageable, practical, and effective (i.e., global temperature change). To aid in the selection of an appropriate topic, students must prepare a Proposal. 2. OPTIONS PAPER PROPOSAL Writing a “solid” proposal is a vital component of your research. Put simply, it lets the “client” know what problem you are examining, why you are examining it, and what approach you are taking to examine it. 2.1. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS The requirements for the proposal are as follows: A. In 500 words or less, describe the issue related to environmental planning you have chosen, its current status, its relevance to the problems facing environmental planning and management, and most important, the research questions you propose to examine (include referencing as required). 5
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. B. In 250 words, briefly describe your methodology (i.e., what approach will you take to answer these questions?). C. Provide a bibliography of at least six research sources (e.g., journal articles, books, government documents, personal contacts) you will use for your paper. Digital copies of proposals are encouraged and should be submitted via “Assignments” within the course’s Blackboard page by the beginning of lecture on 4 October 2011. 3. OPTIONS PAPER REQUIREMENTS Your Options Paper should be no longer than 3,000 -‐ 3,500 words (roughly six pages single-‐spaced, not including figures, references, etc.) and can be written in “point/paragraph” form. The paper must contain the following sections: • Issue: In one or two brief sentences, describe the environmental issue/problem to be examined. • Background: In one to one and a half pages, describe the issue, its current situation and its setting. • Options: In one to one and a half pages, describe strategies for managing the issue/problem outlined above. • Criteria: You must critically evaluate the quality of the options you’ve chosen using specific criteria put forward here (e.g., Is the program cost effective; is it practical; does the technology exist to implement?). • Evaluation: In three to four pages, evaluate the indicators, or measures, using the criteria listed above. • Recommendations: In one page, rank the options you have evaluated and select your top choice. Further, include any recommendations as to its application and/or improvement. 4. EVALUATION Options Papers will be scored based on their clarity, succinctness, accuracy, and applicability to environmental planning. Summaries should be logical and well balanced (not one-‐sided). You are expected to cite the data sources you used, including contact names if applicable. The incorporation of students’ own original ideas and critical analysis of research materials is essential to this assignment. Arguments should be logical and well supported by evidence. You are expected to cite as references at least four scholarly research sources (e.g., journal articles, books), in addition to non-‐scholarly sources (e.g., government or private sector reports, interviews, newspapers, magazines, Internet). To put yourself in the right frame of mind, assume that you are working for a government or private sector boss/client and that your recommendation will be formally announced to the public and several million dollars in funds and staff time will be needed to implement the Option you recommend. Digital copies are encouraged and should be submitted via “Assignments” within the course’s Blackboard page by the beginning of lecture on 8 November 2011. APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING PROJECT (DUE: 13 December 2011) 1. THE ASSIGNMENT This course is offered as one of two “capstone” courses within the Environmental Studies Program. Therefore, it is paramount to utilize the skills you have learned throughout your tenure at Binghamton University for an applied project. The objective of this term project is to immerse the students in environmental planning theory and practice in order to address an issue that is needed by a local organization. This project will allow students, through group work, to apply their understanding/tools of environmental planning to a real problem with authentic information from local government. In addition, this project provided them with a structured 6
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. approach to an environmental planning project, introducing them to management techniques that are necessary to operationalize a project from its conception through final completion. 2. THE ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Students, working in teams of four to six, are required: (1) to seek out a client agency with an environmental planning issue in the Greater Binghamton region; (2) interview people and research the client agency and its problem and develop a Project Proposal; (3) prepare a Strategic Plan Document describing the problem and how it will be investigated; (4) develop an Implementation Work Plan defining the necessary tasks, timing of those tasks, and personnel task assignments; (5) report progress and problems on a weekly basis; and (6) produce a final product (defined through agreement by the client, group, and professor), including documentation of the work and a final presentation to the client. Individual written progress reports will be required periodically to document each person’s role and contribution to the overall Applied Environmental Planning Project. The final project presentations are to be presented through poster format. To help in the brainstorming effort, below is a summary of past projects titles from Milwaukee: “Using GIS to Identify Key Locations For Best Management Practices in Milwaukee.” “Linking Urban Design to Urban Heat Island Through GIS: Milwaukee, WI.” “GIS Assists Neighborhood Strategic Environmental Planning in Milwaukee. “Environmental Planning at the Wehr Nature Center.” “Milwaukee River Revitalization: A Geospatial Perspective to Environmental Protection and Public Access Improvement.” “Environmental Development for Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center.” “Safe Routes to School Bicycle Crash Mapping and Routing.” “Milwaukee Shines – The Solar Initiative.” “Lead Poisoning on Milwaukee’s South Side: Maximizing Referrals in the 16th Street Community Health Center’s Lead Outreach Program.” “GIS for Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Cooperative.” “Groundwork Milwaukee’s Potential Greenspace Opportunities for Neighborhoods.” 3. APPLIED PROJECT TIMELINE a. Group Project Proposal is due at the end of class on 13 September 2011. b. Group Strategic Plan is due at the end of class on 11 October 2011. c. Group Implementation Work Plan is due at the end of class on 25 October 2011. d. Group poster, report, and presentation to the client will occur on 13 December 2011. 4. PROJECT NOTES The group Project Proposal should be no more than two pages outlining the who, what, where, and why of the environmental planning project. Please use list and bullet-‐point format. 7
Binghamton University, State University of New York Fall 2011 ENVI 415: Environmental Planning R.R. Shaker, Ph.D. The group Strategic Plan can include: project name, project scope, client identification & mission, vision statement, project scope & objectives, conceptual model, entities & activities of client, and data needs/analyses. The group Implementation Work Plan should include: tasks/assignments for each member, schedule, and deliverables. 5. EVALUATION Grades will be assessed based on how the group completes the final product for the client, the poster presentation, and the final written document of the environmental issue addressed. Although this is a group project, individual documentation will provide the means to accurately assess each group member’s contribution to the final project. Digital copies of final project materials are encouraged and should be submitted via “Assignments” within the course’s Blackboard page by the end of the group project presentation time period on 13 December 2011. GRADE BREAKDOWN A 94% and Above B 86% C 77% D 68% F 63% and Below • Grades will be assessed using 94, 86, 77, 68, and 63 percent of total weighted scores representing A, B, C, D, and F respectively. Plus and minus grades will be factored based on the percentage of total weighted scores between the aforementioned whole letter grades A through C. • At any time up to the Change of Grade Option deadline, which is approximately half-‐way through the term, a student may change to a P/F option. In this option, a P is defined as the equivalent of a D or better.
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