New Fall Course in Environmental Studies!

ENVS 80.08: The Practice of Science Policy & Diplomacy
15F: 2
Instructor: Melody Brown Burkins

This course is designed to introduce students to the global landscape, emerging ideas, and the art and practice of science policy and diplomacy in the U.S. and internationally. Coursework will be highly interactive, emphasizing how both scientists and non-scientists can most effectively engage in science policy and diplomacy activities in the U.S., with international organizations, and in their careers. Class time will emphasize current issues in science policy and diplomacy, the development of policy briefings and other strategic communications, and comprehensive policy analysis including social, economic, and political concerns as well as a science and technology perspective. Guest lectures by faculty and distinguished practitioners at the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy will bring unique perspectives about the advancement of complex policy and diplomacy issues at regional, national, and international scales. Students will complete a final project in which they develop and present a policy briefing with recommendations for next steps relevant to U.S. legislative and/or diplomatic activity. 

Prereqs: ENVS 2 or 3 or permission of the instructor
Dist: SOC

Any ENVS, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, HIST and PBPL student would have sufficient background to take this course.

Dr. Melody Brown Burkins is the Associate Director for Programs and Research in the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding and Adjunct Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at Dartmouth College. With over 20 years of experience in both academia and government, she is an advocate for policy-engaged scholarship across disciplines, international scientific collaboration, creating new opportunities for academics and professionals in science policy and diplomacy, and the support of global initiatives investing in gender equity and leadership.