Taught By:
Mike Shriberg
Professor of Practice and Engagement
Environmental Policy & Planning
University of Michigan
Course Description:
Addressing the climate, biodiversity and injustice crises takes more than knowledge and individual behavior change. All environmental professionals need effective advocacy skills: They need to know how to influence decision makers to change institutions and policies. This course takes a practical, hands-on insider approach to developing these skills, drawing from case studies, guest speakers, simulations, debates, intellectual foundations, and group projects. Students leave this course not only able to create and implement an advocacy plan and strategy, but also with the tools to be better change agents through personal leadership development, group project management skills and content knowledge on climate change and sustainable water issues. This course is designed for advanced students pursuing careers related to the environment, and students should enter the course with a solid grounding in environmental problems and a basic understanding environmental policy and institutions.