POL 4850 - Sustainability, Climate Change, and Society
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 44001,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Abdullahi Hersi
Email: amhersi@ysu.edu
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know (2nd ed.) | • Romm, Joseph. | |
| Required | The Politics of Climate Change (3rd ed.). | • Giddens, Anthony |
Readings may be updated throughout the semester based on new research, emerging global events, or instructional needs. While the required textbooks provide foundational theoretical and scientific knowledge, the primary instructional materials in this course will consist of applied case studies, policy reports, and analytical documents produced by credible academic and international institutions. Students are expected to engage actively with these materials to develop a comprehensive understanding of climate–society dynamics.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Romm Ch.1 | Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Change & Society | Reading |
| 8/31 | Romm Ch.2–3 | Climate Science Foundations & SES Theory | Discussion Post #1 (Due Sept 7) |
| 9/7 | Giddens Ch.1 | Socio Economic Dimensions of Climate Change | Short Report #1 (Due Sept 14) |
| 9/14 | Giddens Ch.2 | Global Environmental Politics & Climate Governance | Reading |
| 9/21 | Selected readings | Political Ecology & Climate Justice | Analytical Essay (Due Sept 28)Reading |
| 9/28 | Climate Security readings | Climate Security & Environmental Conflict | Reading |
| 10/5 | Romm Ch.4 | Human Security & Climate Risks | Midterm Exam (Due Oct 12) |
| 10/12 | UNDP/UNEP Reports | Humanitarian Crises in a Changing Climate | Reading |
| 10/19 | Romm Ch.5 | Adaptation Strategies | Reading |
| 10/26 | Giddens Ch.3 | Mitigation Strategies & Low Carbon Transitions | Short Report #2 (Due Nov 2) |
| 11/2 | Romm Ch.6 | International Organizations & Climate Governance | Reading |
| 11/9 | Climate Diplomacy readings | Climate Negotiation Simulation | Simulation & Debate (Due Nov 16) |
| 11/16 | Giddens Ch.4 | Globalization & Transnational Climate Issues | Reading |
| 11/23 | Selected readings | Emerging Challenges in Climate–Society Relations | Reading |
| 11/30 | UN Global Climate Conference 2024–2025 | Climate Finance Policy | Final Exam Assignment (Due Dec 7) |
| 12/7 | Final Policy Brief Submission |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.