Theory Survey Paper

A solid understanding of Ecological Economics and Sustainability can only come when you create your own “framework” for understanding the theory, concepts and applications. While vital and important, just reading the assigned materials, participating in class meetings, and even studying for the course exam are not sufficient to assure that you “own” this material intellectually and pedagogically.

To assist you in this intellectual journey, a Theory Survey Paper is required in this class. Each student’s theory paper will be organized and written differently. But it will consist of a summary or overview of the course “theory” material. (Remember that a companion Policy Paper pertains to the field trip experience, as explained on the course web syllabus).

You should get started structuring this “framework” of ecological economics as soon as the first day. A successful paper that earns a high grade will follow these steps. You must design an outline for the paper that logically covers the content and flow of the theory we will study. You must “draft” parts of this paper on a daily basis during the first two weeks of class. You must condense considerable material, theory and graphs down to the essence of what must be provided to explain this field of economics. You must use this exercise as a means of studying for the exam, that will cover a number of the same “theory” dimensions to what we study. You will have a strong “draft” of the paper finished by the start of the Field Trip so that you can go over it with the course instructor and settle on any final changes needed.

It is important that you not get “lost in the details” of what we study. Think of gaining a “Goodyear Blimp” perspective on Ecological Economics. Conceptualize the broad forces and relationships in economics and ecology that come together in this field. But also provide necessary detail on theories, concepts and graphs that help explain the theory we are studying.

Remember that this is an ECONOMICS class and you are being introduced to and gaining a first appreciation of Ecological Economics. You must try to think and function as an economist, the better to strengthen your economics foundation and tools. Value judgments and ecological sensitivity are important, but belong more in other parts of the course. This assignment is a chance to demonstrate that you are becoming an “economist”!!

Take this assignment as one reason to talk continually to other students in class about what we are studying and its broader meanings. Talk to the Instructor when you need more perspective. And THINK HARD (yes, it will hurt your brain at times) about how you want to create your own unique framework and resulting Theory Survey Paper. The Honor Code applies to this assignment, as to all parts of the course. But generous, continuing and lively discussion with others will enrich your understanding and perspectives on the material and facilitate writing this paper.

Manage your time in the course wisely. Remember that during the third week we will be on a field trip and you will be taking notes and starting to structure a Policy Paper. If you do not make wise use of the first two weeks of this course, the workload will be large and the remaining days of the course after the field trip will be intense. Have a strong draft of the Theory Survey Paper by the start of the field trip and be ready to make final changes to it immediately after returning from the field trip. If you follow these “time management” hints the course workload will be manageable and the course enjoyable.

The completed Theory Survey Paper is due the last day of the course. It is to be placed in the appropriate section of your Course Notebook. Make sure that you type the narrative and either draw neatly or convert into images graphs. In some cases necessary graphs and schematics can be copied from the Class Lecture Notes section of the Course web syllabus. This is not a research paper that requires much if any outside research, but where necessary document materials and quotes used with proper citation.