Breaking U.S. Oil Addiction (Honors): How addicted is the U.S. to oil? How much oil
does the world have left? What are the costs and benefits to society of fracking? Is it possible to
reduce our consumption of oil and other fossil fuels to avert the dangers of climate change?
How much has oil driven our foreign policy? Should the U.S. strive to be “energy independent”?
This course examines such questions and invites students to critically assess existing U.S. oil
policy and make informed recommendations for the future. Issues to be explored are the supply
and demand for this nonrenewable resource, its historical importance to the U.S. economy, and
its national security and environmental consequences. We will analyze various policy options,
including supply-based measures such as increased oil drilling and use of unconventional
sources, as well as demand-based measures such as fuel economy standards, higher gasoline
taxes, and incentives for alternatives like electric vehicles and biofuels. Throughout this course,
we will work together to develop our research, writing, and presentation skills, and become
familiar with class preparation and participation expectations at Eckerd.
does the world have left? What are the costs and benefits to society of fracking? Is it possible to
reduce our consumption of oil and other fossil fuels to avert the dangers of climate change?
How much has oil driven our foreign policy? Should the U.S. strive to be “energy independent”?
This course examines such questions and invites students to critically assess existing U.S. oil
policy and make informed recommendations for the future. Issues to be explored are the supply
and demand for this nonrenewable resource, its historical importance to the U.S. economy, and
its national security and environmental consequences. We will analyze various policy options,
including supply-based measures such as increased oil drilling and use of unconventional
sources, as well as demand-based measures such as fuel economy standards, higher gasoline
taxes, and incentives for alternatives like electric vehicles and biofuels. Throughout this course,
we will work together to develop our research, writing, and presentation skills, and become
familiar with class preparation and participation expectations at Eckerd.
- Profesor: Jill Collins