POL 328 - The Politics of Information: Case Studies of Sustainability Assessments

This course investigates the use of information to apply power and mobilize collective action.  Relevant social science concepts, such as credibility, validity, and trust, are used to analyze different examples of sustainability assessments, such as the Forest Stewardship Council, USDA Organic, and ENERGY STAR.  Students write a short research paper analyzing an existing assessment and develop a set of short informational videos promoting a second existing assessment. 

Satisfies a major requirement and American Politics sub-field requirement in Political Science.
Satisfies a major, interdisciplinary minor and social science track requirement in Environmental Studies. 
Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.