1.Case study focusing on an issue in your community
(10 pages, approved by the instructor)
For example, in New Paltz, NY, the Mohonk Preserve has presented plans to the Town of New Paltz for a significant development initiative on recreational land owned by the Preserve and its affiliated entity the Open Space Institute (OSI). The Preserve and OSI have submitted a proposal to the Town of New Paltz to develop a site that has heretofore been undeveloped, yet open for use by members of the local community.
The Preserve and OSI are tax exempt entities and have historically been responsible stewards of thousands of acres of land in Ulster County, NY, a large, mostly rural county situated halfway between New York City and Albany.
The Preserve and OSI are seeking an exemption from an environmental impact study, which is typically required by the the state level Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Citizen organized interest groups opposed to the development are demanding a full environmental impact study. “An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document prepared to describe the effects for proposed activities on the environment. “Environment,” in this case, is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment.”web.evs.anl.gov
In addition, “Federal laws and regulations require the federal government to evaluate the effects of its actions on the environment and to consider alternative courses of action. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) specifies when an environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared. NEPA regulations require, among other things, federal agencies to include discussion of a proposed action and the range of reasonable alternatives in an EIS. Sufficient information must be included in the EIS for reviewers to evaluate the relative merits of each alternative. Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations provide the recommended format and content of Environmental Impact Statements.” web.evs.anl.gov
2. Case study focusing on a social program or agency.
This track is meant to permit research on a program or agency you may have a personal or professional interest in studying.
For example, parents with a child diagnosed with autism may wish to examine the federal and state programs that address social or educational services for afflicted children.
Persons interested in gun violence, criminal justice, environmental issues, child protective services, substance abuse treatment programs, public higher education, immigration, and public housing are general areas that may be explored in a research project.
Specific programs, policies or laws may also be selected for study: Common Core, Obamacare, The Safe Act, Hydrofrackling Policy, American Disabilities Act may serve as the focus of research and writing. Practically any public policy issue that depicts the relationships between the federal government and state and local government is likely to be approved.
The topics for Track II are essentially unlimited, but all topics must be approved by the instructor.
Citing each and every source each and every time it is referenced is essential, and I expect to see the required readings in your papers. When in doubt, cite the source.
I especially appreciate the ability to relate theories and concepts found in the learning resources to your responses in the writing assignments
Please very important
Give examples to illustrate the points you are making.
