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Exciting new course model for Climate Change seminar

Next semester Prof. Robbins will be offering a 2-unit seminar on Climate Change Law & Policy:

While I have offered this course many times before, this time I am trying something new. In discussion with colleagues at other law schools, and following a model that my colleague at UC Davis has now repeated with increasing student demand, this course will be student-led after the first class meeting, during which I will provide an introduction and overview of the topic.

After the first week, students will select the readings (with some guidance) and lead the discussions. Students each lead or co-lead one class and will prepare a short reaction paper before the class they lead. This approach allows students to focus on areas they find most interesting and should ensure that we cover a wide variety of climate change topics over the length of the course. Grades will be based on the 5-page reaction paper as well as the preparation for and leading of the class period assigned to each student. Class participation in the rest of the classes is also important.

Anthropogenic climate change has become one of the most significant environmental, economic, and societal challenges confronting the global community. This seminar will explore the legal, political, and scientific challenges involved in addressing and responding to climate change. The class will consider international strategies and laws, including the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, emissions trading schemes, and efforts to involve the developing world in climate change mitigation. Depending upon student choices, it may also cover U.S. law as well as litigation strategies in the U.S. and abroad.