This advanced and highly participatory seminar will compare and contrast the environmental and development policies of eight developing countries as they cope with the pressures of economic growth and its attendant pollution and resource depletion.  Four of the eight countries, on which we will focus for two weeks each, are China , India , Nigeria and Brazil . The class will choose the remaining four developing countries – two Asian, one African and one Latin American, on which we will focus for one week each. The seminar will open with a review of the dilemmas facing most developing countries in industrializing and modernizing, while also protecting their environment. Introductory readings will be available online.

Working in four teams, class members will help organize the readings for the four class-chosen countries from web and library sources.  Materials will be assessed by Armin before they are photocopied. ` Classes will consist of interactive lectures/discussions led by Armin, student team presentations in power point, and visits from outside experts.

Syllabus

Week One - Introductory Readings

Why Governments Waste Natural Resources (Ascher)

Oil-Led Development: Social, Political and Economic Consequences (Karl)

Bottom of the Barrel (Gray, Karl)

Understanding Policy Change in Developing Countries: The Spheres of Influence Framework (Steinberg)

Week Two - China

China in Motion (PowerPoint Presentation)

China: Environmental Issues (PowerPoint Presentation)

Institutions and Instruments for Environment Protection in China (PowerPoint Presentation)

Community Forestry in Yunnan Province (Kitamura, Cao)

Environmental Law with Chinese Characteristics (Orts)

Why Industry's Environmental Performance Doesn't Count (Nordquist, Somesfalean)