INST 4361: Global Energy

This course explores the political, social and economic issues surrounding the global exploration, supply, and consumption of energy. The politics of energy examines the national, multinational, and transnational actors that compete for energy resources. The relationship between energy and security is investigated with special attention to the Middle East, China , India , and the United States . The social consequences of the search for and use of fossil fuels is examined, as well as the economics of fossil fuels, biomass, and renewal energy resources. Considerable attention will be granted to studies forecasting future supply and demand, as well as the cost benefit analysis of alternative energy sources. Prerequisite: 60+credit hours