Averting Catastrophe: Public Policy and Risk Management
GOVT 222
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
ENVS 243 |
The U.S. faces several significant risks that, if poorly managed, could have significant implications for the economy, the environment, and public health. This course focuses on the government's role as risk manager. We will explore how public policies can be used to manage risk, mitigate the extent of damages to the environment, the economy, and public health, and avert catastrophic outcomes. After examining the concept of risk, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, and competing policy instruments, we will turn to a series of case studies, including offshore oil spills, nuclear accidents, financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. In each case, we will seek to better understand the factors that shape performance and consider the implications for strengthening the government's role as risk manager. We will conclude with an examination of an emerging issue: the regulation of artificial intelligence, a technology that even its strongest advocates admit could result in unprecedented dislocations and risks. |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (Environmental Studies Minor)(Environmental Studies)(Government) |
| SECTION 01 |
| Instructor(s): Eisner,Marc Times: ..T.R.. 08:50AM-10:10AM; Location: FRANK301; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 5 | | |
| | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 5 | SO: 5 | FR: X |
|
|