This course provides an introduction to environmental and natural resource economics and policy. Lectures and homeworks are used to provide insights into economic aspects of a wide range of environmental issues including air and water pollution, optimal forest and fisheries management, and links between the economy and the environment. Students will learn how to look at environmental and natural resource issues from an economic perspective, and will learn how to apply the basic tools of economic analysis to a wide range of environmental issues relating to renewable and non-renewable natural resource use. Much of the course material is available on line, including lectures, student-guided review of course material, practice quizzes, and homework assignments.

INSTRUCTOR and OFFICE HOURS

Dr. Gerald Shively
629 Krannert Building
494-4218
shivelyg@purdue.edu .

Office hours: I am generally available on class days and maintain an "open door" policy regarding office hours. However, I have a number of commitments other than AGEC/FNR 406, so I strongly recommend that you make an appointment to see me to guarantee that I will be available when you come to my office. Use of email for questions and scheduling of appointments is strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, contact me or my secretary, Linda Klotz (phone: 494-4208, email lklotz@purdue.edu ).

PURPOSE

This course has two main purposes, both of which focus on expanding students analytical and thinking skills. The first goal is to introduce students to the kinds of tools that economists use to study natural resources and environmental issues. Economics is useful for clarifying issues, identifying tradeoffs, and implementing cost-effective solutions to improve the total well being of mankind. This course will allow students to identify the proper role of economics in the policy making process, and to assess competing approaches to the analysis of environmental concerns. The second purpose of the course is to help students sharpen their analytical and communication skills, so that they can build satisfying professional careers and contribute in an informed and thoughtful way to the local and global communities of which they are a part.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Provide students with an understanding of how environmental and natural resources can be studied from an economic perspective, and how economic processes influence environmental outcomes.

CLASS PROCEDURE

This course follows a lecture format with quizzes, homework assignments and exams used to reinforce understanding of CONCEPTS. Student participation in class discussion is expected. All information regarding the course, including assignments, and the class schedule is available via the course home page at: http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/staff/shively/courses/agec406/index.htm

READINGS

Assigned textbook readings will be supplemented by on-line materials and regular handouts. Reading assignments are indicated on the daily class schedule. Because of the large number of topics covered it is essential that the reading assignments be completed by their assigned dates.

TEXTS

One book will be used for the class. I strongly recommend its purchase, because it covers in detail much of the material covered in class. The book is:

The Economic Approach to Environmental and Natural Resources, James R. Kahn. You may use either the 2nd or 3rd edition. The 2nd edition is widely available used, at a discounted price. The textbook is available for purchase at Follett's and University Bookstore. It is also on reserve at the Life Sciences Library.

HOMEWORKS

Five homework assignments will be assigned during the semester. These assignments will be made available online via the course homepage. Due dates are indicated on the course schedule. The purpose of these homeworks is to help students master their understanding of key concepts from the textbook and from lecture.

Each homework has a value of 10 points. Homeworks can be submitted late, with or without an excuse, but a penalty of 1 point will be subtracted for each calendar day the assignment is late.

QUIZZES

A short quiz will be given at the start of class every Friday, except during dead week and during weeks when a class exam is scheduled for a Friday. Each quiz will consist of 5 questions and will be worth 5 points. The reasons for the quiz are to encourage students to keep up with course material, to provide feedback regarding mastery of key concepts, and to provide practice for exams. Quizzes cannot be taken early and cannot be taken late, regardless of excuse. I repeat: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THE FRIDAY QUIZ BE TAKEN AT ANY OTHER TIME, regardless of the excuse. Missed quizzes CANNOT be made up after the fact. At least 11 quizzes will be given and the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. If you anticipate missing a quiz you should plan for this to be the quiz you drop.

EXAMINATIONS

Two exams will be given. A mid-term exam will be held in class immediately prior to spring break. A final exam will be given during the regular final exam period. These exams are designed to test understanding of concepts and application of tools of economic analysis. The exams will emphasize problem solving and short answers. Each exam will have equal point value.

GRADING POLICY

The final course grade will be computed from points earned from quizzes, examinations, and homeworks, as follows:

Homework assignments (5 @ 10 points)	50
Quizzes (10 @ 5 points)	50
Exams (2 @ 100 points)	200
Total	300

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

270-300	A
240-269	B
210-239	C
180-209	D
0-179	F

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you have a disability that requires academic adjustments, please make an appointment to meet with me during the first week of classes to discuss your needs. Please note that university policy requires all students with disabilities to be registered with Adaptive Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students before classroom accomodations can be provided.

CAMPUS EMERGENCIES

In the unusual event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances. To get information about changes in this course. visit this home page, contact me by email at shivelyg@purdue.edu, or call my office (494-4218).

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

University policy on academic dishonesty is clear: academic dishonesty in any form is strictly prohibited. Anyone found to be cheating or helping someone else cheat will be referred directly to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Penalties are severe and may include dismissal from the University. The risks associated with cheating far outweigh the perceived benefits. Academic dishonesty includes citing someone else's work as your own, using "cheat sheets" or sharing your answers with someone else. If you are unsure whether your planned action constitutes academic dishonesty, seek clarification from your instructor. Other information regarding your rights and responsibilities as a student are contained in the university's code of conduct .