The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with an opportunity
to develop an independent analysis of an issue related to environmental
economics using concepts and theories learned in class.
Description:
The term paper for this course is an open-ended assignment that is intended
to sharpen your writing, research and critical analysis skills. The project is
designed to ensure that you are familiar with the process of conducting online
research on an issue related to environmental economics and compiling a report
based on that research using concepts and theories learned in class. The paper
should focus on a topic of your choosing related to material covered in the
course. The paper should have a strong economic focus and should use economic
data and/or reasoning to support your analysis and assertions. Possible topics
include:
·
Economics of alternative energy (wind,
solar, etc.)
·
Market-based approaches to conservation
·
Economics of hybrid and electric
vehicles
·
Economic and environmental trade-offs in
use of paper vs plastic
·
Invasive species economics (e.g.,
impacts and control)
·
Economics of fisheries management (e.g.,
U.S. catch shares programs)
The paper should begin with a concise summary paragraph that (1) states
the problem/issue/topic you have selected and (2) summarizes your position on
the topic, anticipating your conclusion.
The remainder of the paper should explain and support your position.
Specifications:
Please submit your topic for approval to your instructor by the end of
the second week of class. Your paper
should include:
·
A narrative of 8 pages (not including
title page, reference list, or appendices).
·
A title page
·
A reference list (using APA format) with
at least five sources, and
·
At least one graph and/or table
In addition, at the conclusion of
your paper please include a brief statement reflecting on what you
feel you have learned from the assignment and how that learning may be
applied to your life or work going forward.
Please use APA format in-text citations in
the body of your paper for all facts and figures and proof your paper for grammar
and spelling.
