Special Topics (490-0-27)

Topic

Energy, Climate Change & Global Security

Instructors

Elizabeth Shogren

Meeting Info

Washington, DC Bureau: Mon 1:30PM - 4:30PM

Overview of class

This seminar will introduce students to the interconnected beats of energy, climate change and global security. Russia's war in Ukraine (or the aftermath of it) will provide the framework for the class. However, students also will learn about energy and climate change in current and past bilateral and multilateral relations between the United States and its allies and foes, including China, the Middle East, Canada and Latin American. Student will also have guest lectures, including from experts in international climate change negotiations, particularly the United Nations climate change meetings, known as the Conferences of the Parties (COP).

The centerpiece of the course will be a week-long trip to Germany as part of the Medill Explores program. Students will report on the energy and refugee crises in Europe caused by the war in Ukraine. Students will visit a fossil fuel project, an LNG terminal under construction to receive natural gas imports and help Europe wean off Russian fuel, and a renewable energy project, probably a wind farm. They'll investigate how Europe's plans to wean off fossil fuels and fight climate change have been altered by the Kremlin's military aggression. In Germany, students will interview average people about how their lives are harmed by these crises

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Course meets in Washington DC

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Only students in the MSJ program may enroll in these classes
Add Consent: Department Consent Required