Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have made the United States the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas. What does that mean for the domestic economy, energy prices, foreign policy, climate change, and local environments? This course will begin with an overview of the domestic and global energy system. It will briefly describe the history of oil and gas production in the United States, and how that history has helped shape global energy markets. Key assignments will be 2 short (~4 pages) papers, 2 in-class participation assignments (1 debate and 1 roll-play exercise), and one final (6 page) paper. No previous experience in energy or environmental issues is required.
